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Cannabis Legal Group News/Media Apperances

▸ Lessenberry: Pot sales smoke-and-mirrors fix to Michigan’s economy
July 20th, 2020 | The Blade
Barton Morris, an attorney who runs the Cannabis Legal Group in suburban Royal Oak, said “this is definitely going to be a billion-dollar business, and more.” Noting that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, he added, “and think about what will happen when that changes — and at some point, it will change.”

▸ Michigan social equity regulations help cannabis applicants get started, but lack continued support
July 17th, 2020 | MarijuanaBusiness Daily
She said one of the main sticking points in the development of Michigan’s social equity program has been the slow progress of awarding adult-use licenses. That’s partly the result of the coronavirus pandemic, which is also the case in Illinois. But the Illinois program is “much more robust,” said Barton Morris, a Royal Oak-based attorney with the Cannabis Legal Group. So far, Barton is “underwhelmed” with the social equity program in Michigan.

▸ Social Equity: Jazz Cabbage Cafe 7/14/20 Episode
July 14th, 2020 | Jazz Cabbage Cafe
CLG Paralegal Brianna DiSalvio joins Rick Thompson and others on this episode of Jazz Cabbage Cafe, discussing her blog (picked up by Cannabis Law Report), “Diversity in the Cannabis Industry: Working Towards Equal Access and Opportunity.”  

▸ Inside Michigan Business: A Look at the Marijuana Industry
July 9th, 2020 | StartupNation
On today’s episode, John and Jack explore one of Michigan’s newest industries, the legal marijuana trade. Both medicinal and recreational pot shops have opened in many local communities, but questions like how prosperous that business is and what the future holds for marijuana entrepreneurs will be answered on today’s podcast with guests Kathy Gray, Barton Morris, and Jason Eelbode.

▸ Michigan Supreme Court Says Municipalities Can Regulate Caregiver Growth Of Medical Marijuana
April 30th, 2020 | Yahoo Finance and Benzinga
“This could be the start of the narrowing of caregiving activities and this is what a lot of people kind of feared,” attorney Barton Morris, founder of Cannabis Legal Group, told Wood TV 8 on Tuesday. “It’s going to lead to a lot of cities coming out with new ordinances that are restricting caregiving activities.”

▸ Guns or marijuana? Even in pot-friendly states like Michigan, residents can only choose one 
February 20th, 2020 | Detroit Metro Times
“It’s against the law to be a user of marijuana and be in possession of a gun,” Barton Morris, principal attorney of the Cannabis Legal Group in Royal Oak, tells Metro Times. “The state law, unfortunately, does not create a defense.” Morris says there’s so much confusion over the issue that he recently posted a video online to explain the nuances of the law.

▸ Vote on merit system for marijuana businesses in Berkley delayed to Jan. 23
January 21st, 2020 | C & G Newspapers
Barton Morris, a lawyer with Cannabis Legal Group in Royal Oak, took issue with the city increasing the number of points for a business that doesn’t immediately abut a residential property. Morris stated marijuana businesses serve residents in the same manner as liquor stores, drug stores and restaurants, and he saw no reason to incentivize businesses to not locate next to residential zones.

▸ Licensed Dispensary in Burton Ready to Offer Customers Home Delivery Service 
January 10th, 2020 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Barton Morris is with the Cannabis Legal Group and says more and more shops will be popping up and offering this service, which is why it’s important for consumers to make a purchase from a licensed shop. If they don’t, “they’re getting product that’s not tested, that’s potentially unsafe and it’s illegal.”

▸ Parsing Legal Marijuana in Michigan with Attorney Barton Morris
December 27th, 2019 | Weed Wonks
Barton Morris, one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state of Michigan and an expert on the state’s legal cannabis industry, speak with Jordan and Andrew out in Las Vegas, Nevada during the recent MJBiz Conference in Las Vegas at the MJToday Media Mansion. Produced by Shea Gunther.

▸ Break Down Of Recreational Marijuana Taxes By Michigan Based Cannabis Legal Group
December 15th, 2019 | The Cannabis Radar
For recreational marijuana, the state of Michigan currently charges a 6% sales tax along with a 10% excise tax. Barton Morris with Cannabis Legal Group delved into the matter deeper and showed how those taxes break down.

▸ Michigan Based Cannabis Legal Group Breaks Down Recreational Marijuana Taxes
December 9th, 2019 | 9 and 10 News
The state of Michigan currently charges a six percent sales tax on recreational marijuana along with a ten percent excise tax. Barton Morris with Cannabis Legal Group gave us a closer look at how those taxes break down.

▸ Cannabis Legal Group CEO Talks Roadside Cannabis Testing
November 24th, 2019 | MI TechNews
Barton Morris, CEO of the Cannabis Legal Group, explains what drivers should do should they getted stopped by police for possible Cannabis intoxication.

▸ Potential $1.7 billion adult-use cannabis market in Michigan gears up for Dec. 1 launch
November 18th, 2019 | Marijuana Business Daily
As of Nov. 8, 1,393 cities, villages and townships – or 78.5% of the state’s total of 1,773 – had opted out of the rec market. But Barton Morris, principal attorney of the Cannabis Legal Group in Michigan, said many are just taking their time to decide how many facilities to permit. Within five years, he said, “I think half (of all townships, villages and cities) will permit it.” And that, Morris said, will be enough to generate a robust market.

▸ Social Cannabis Bars Coming to Michigan? (VIDEO)
November 12th, 2019 | WDIV Local 4
Have you heard about social cannabis consumption bars? They could open as early as Dec. 1st, 2019. The Cannabis Legal Group is working to bring these unique social places across Metro Detroit and the State of Michigan.

▸ Expunging marijuana convictions would be easy under new Michigan bill 
October 17th, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
One of the leading advocates for expunging pot-related offense, Barton Morris, says he’s happy the bill includes expungement for some felonies. “There are people who were operating dispensaries and ended up getting convicted. There are people currently serving probation, jail, and prison sentences for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions.”

▸ Controversy continues over medical marijuana dispensaries licensing process in Warren
October 8th, 2019 | WDIV Local 4
A long legal battle in Warren over medical marijuana appears to be over after a judge awarded 15 dispensaries licenses to operate in the city. “You had members make the score and vote on it with the majority to have the final decision,” Travis Copenhaver with the Cannabis Legal Group said.

▸ Detroit looks to the future of weed with ‘cannabis bars’
October 1st, 2019 | Windsor Star
While residents of the state have capitalized on the legal recreational cannabis change by opening dispensaries–many unlicensed–the Detroit lawyers want to vie for the title of Michigan’s cannabis capital by allowing consumption sites, or “cannabis bars,” to open in the city.

▸ Will Detroit have marijuana bars? Local attorney believes so
September 29, 2019 | Local 4 News
A local law firm says the concept is simple. The firm wants to have places where people can go smoke marijuana, and it says Detroit is a great launching pad for that.

▸ Recreational ‘Pot Bars’ In Detroit? Expect To Find Them In 2020, Attorney Says
September 27, 2019 | WWJ Newsradio 950
Expect to be able to walk into a bar in Detroit, about year from now, to hang out and enjoy some recreational marijuana. That’s according to attorney Barton Morris of the Cannabis Legal Group, who held a “Cannabusiness Seminar” Friday at the TCF Center for people who want to learn all about pot shop and “pot bar” possibilities in Michigan.

▸ First Major Cannabis Business Expo Since Decriminalization of Marijuana in Michigan
September 26, 2019 | Fox 2 News
“Cultivating a Successful Cannabusiness” is the first major cannabis business expo since the decriminalization of marijuana in Michigan. It’s taking place at the TCF Center tomorrow in Downtown Detroit.

▸ This law firm is offering assistance with expungement for pot-related misdemeanors
September 24, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Cannabis Legal Group is offering to assist men and women who have been convicted of cannabis-related misdemeanors have their records expunged.

▸ Cannabis Legal Group helps Michigan residents with securing expungements
September 23, 2019 | WILX-10
The Cannabis Legal Group is looking to help assist men and women who have been convicted of cannabis-related misdemeanors have their criminal records expunged, according to a press release.

▸ Cannabis Legal Group Helping Residents with Expungements during National Expungement Week
September 23, 2019 | Michigan Chronicle
Cannabis Legal Group wants to assist men and women who have been convicted of cannabis-related misdemeanors have their criminal records expunged. As part of National Expungement Week 2019, Cannabis Legal Group, along with the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, will be participating at 3 expungement clinics in Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac.

▸ Three Must-Attend Events For Michigan Cannabis Businesspersons
September 19, 2019 | Weed News
The calendar is heavily loaded with Michigan cannabis industry and community events in the last months of 2019, but three stand out as the best choices for businesspersons and entrepreneurs to attend. 1. Cultivating a Successful Cannabusiness by Cannabis Legal Group; this is essentially Michigan’s master class at making a cannabis business WORK.

▸ Legal group offering clinics on clearing marijuana convictions from criminal records
September 18, 2019 | Southgate News-Herald
Do you have a conviction for a marijuana-related misdemeanor offense that you’d like to get removed from your record? Learn how that can happen by attending an expungement clinic next week in Pontiac, Detroit or Lansing, courtesy of a Royal Oak-based law firm.

▸ Legal group offering clinics on clearing marijuana convictions from criminal records
September 18, 2019 | The Oakland Press
Do you have a conviction for a marijuana-related misdemeanor offense that you’d like to get removed from your record? Learn how that can happen by attending an expungement clinic next week in Pontiac, Detroit or Lansing, courtesy of a Royal Oak-based law firm.

▸ Lawyers offer help with record expungement for marijuana crimes
September 18, 2019 | mLive
A law firm is offering to help people expunge their records of marijuana crimes at three clinics in Detroit, Lansing and Pontiac. The Cannabis Legal Group, a Royal-Oak based law firm, and the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association are hosting the expungement clinics.

▸ Cannabusiness Seminar, Securatech, Griffin Secure Transport, Sensi Park Update
September 16, 2019 | M2 Techcast
On M2 Techcast Sept. 16, Attorney Travis Copenhaver from the Cannabis Legal Group will highlight their upcoming seminar “Cultivating A Successful Cannabusiness.”

▸ Michigan closer to expunging low-level marijuana crimes, but it won’t be automatic 
September 14, 2019 | WWJ Newsradio 950
Barton Morris discusses the new legislative expungement bill and National Expungement Week 2019 on WWJ Newsradio 950.

▸ Michigan closer to expunging low-level marijuana crimes, but it won’t be automatic 
September 10, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
More than 225,000 Michigan residents convicted of low-level marijuana crimes may soon be eligible to have their records cleared due to a bill set to introduce this week in the senate. “It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said Cannabis Legal Group principal attorney Barton Morris.

▸ FBI scrutiny of corruption in US cannabis industry welcomed by some, scorned by others
August 22, 2019 | MJBiz Daily
It’s not just Western states that have decentralized regulatory structures that increase the potential for corruption. Barton Morris, principal attorney of the Cannabis Legal Group in Michigan, cited that state’s medical marijuana industry as another example.

▸ How can I get an expungement for a cannabis-related offense in Michigan?
July 31, 2019 | Common Citizen
Barton Morris is the founder and principal attorney at Cannabis Legal Group, a Detroit-based law firm specializing in marijuana-related legal issues. He’s appalled that the people of Michigan are still suffering the consequences for cannabis-related convictions.

▸ Senior Associate Attorney Travis Copenhaver on Michigan’s Social Equity Program Details
July 18, 2019 | WWJ Newsradio 950
Cannabis Legal Group Senior Associate Attorney Travis Copenhaver comments on what’s innovative and what needs to be elaborated on regarding the newly released details surrounding Michigan’s social equity program.

▸ Michigan looks to right past on marijuana by targeting communities once negatively affected
July 18, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Barton Morris, an active voice that helped pass the 2018 marijuana legislature, told 7 Action News he was anticipating that people who had demonstrated that they were disproportionately impacted by past marijuana laws would get some sort of priority when it came to licensing.

▸ Barton Morris on the Frank Beckmann Show
July 17, 2019 | WJR News Talk 760 AM
Barton Morris comments on Sen. Irwin’s proposed Michigan Senate bill that would expunge low-level cannabis offenses for over 235,000 Michigan residents.

▸ Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Expunge Marijuana Convictions
July 16, 2019 | Channel 7 WXYZ
Barton Morris comments on Sen. Irwin’s proposed Senate bill that would expunge low-level marijuana offenses for over 235,000 Michigan residents.

▸ Minorities find themselves almost shut out of Michigan’s marijuana business
June 21st, 2019 | Detroit Free Press
Barton Morris, an attorney with the Cannabis Legal Group in Royal Oak, said that most of his marijuana-related clients are white men and they have a distinct advantage in the industry.

▸ On the Horizon: Emerging Markets and Trends | Illinois, Michigan, Ohio: Cannabis in the Midwest
June 11th, 2019 | MJBizCon NEXT
The cannabis space is undergoing a rapid transformation in the Midwest, with a relatively new medical marijuana program in Ohio, a challenging restructuring of Michigan’s MMJ industry as the state also prepares to launch an adult-use market.

▸ Being Legal in the Cannabis Niche | Account Marketing Doesn’t Suck (Build Your Firm)
June 4th, 2019 | “Account Marketing Doesn’t Suck” Podcast
Hugh Duffy talks with Jennifer Domingue, an associate attorney with the Cannabis Legal Group in Michigan about some of the biggest issues in cannabis today – 280E, Safe Banking Act (which is getting considerable bipartisan support) and insurance.

▸ Barton Morris on the Frank Beckmann Show
June 4th, 2019 | WJR News Talk 760 AM
Barton Morris calls for legislative action regarding marijuana conviction expungements with Chris Renwick.

▸ Gov. Whitmer promised to expunge marijuana-related criminal records in Michigan. Those convicted are still waiting. 
June 3rd, 2019 | Detroit Metro Times
“Something needs to be done immediately,” says Barton Morris, an attorney and leading advocate for expunging pot-related offenses and pardoning people who are in jail for offenses that are now civil infractions. “There are people currently serving probation, jail, and prison sentences for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions.

▸ 4/20: Live Coverage of the 2019 Cannabis Holiday
Apr. 19th, 2019 | Leafly
The festival also featured guest speakers such as Michigan attorney Travis Copenhaver, who spoke to about the current state and federal marijuana laws as well as issues including banking services within the cannabis industry.

▸ Michigan recreational marijuana rules moving ‘swiftly’
Apr. 1st, 2019 | M Live
Last week officials with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) met privately with 57 stakeholders that included medical marijuana businesses, lawyers, municipal representatives and interested individuals.

▸ State selects residents for marijuana rules work groups
Mar. 15th, 2019 | Oakland Press
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has selected 51 people —including nine who live or have businesses in Oakland County — for work groups to help craft regulations for recreational use of marijuana.

▸ Medical Marijuana In Ohio
Jan. 3rd, 2019 | WOSU Public Media (PBS)
Coming up on All Sides, we take a look at how other states have moved from medical to recreational marijuana and how Ohio might – or not – follow suit. Guests: Travis Copenhaver, Senior Associate Attorney at Cannabis Legal Group.

▸ 7 last-minute things you need to know about recreational marijuana in Michigan
Dec. 5th, 2018 | WXYZ Channel 7
You can only smoke inside your house, not on the front porch. However, on your back porch is fine according to Attorney Barton Morris with the Cannabis Legal Group.

▸ Boehner-backed Acreage Holdings acquires Michigan cannabis company
Nov. 27th, 2018 | The Detroit News
Barton Morris, founder of the Cannabis Legal Group in Royal Oak, said Acreage’s move brings a significant amount of capital and infrastructure into Michigan whose cannabis market still is only developing.

▸ You can legally smoke pot in Michigan in the next month: What you need to know
Nov. 7th, 2018 | WXYZ Channel 7
“This is what’s best for Michigan,” said Barton Morris, a lawyer who spear-headed the pro-recreational marijuana movement. “It’s what’s best for the movement.”

▸ Social Justice Or Commercialization? Expert Views On Michigan’s Recreational Marijuana Proposal
Oct. 25th, 2018 | Benzinga
Barton Morris, the principal attorney at Cannabis Legal Group, said Prop 1 has “everything to do about social justice and about doing what is right.”

▸ Watch tonight: Detroit 2020 Town Hall: Marijuana in Michigan
Oct. 24th, 2018 | WXYZ Channel 7
On Thursday night, WXYZ will host a Detroit 2020 Town Hall over Marijuana in Michigan. Barton Morris, Cannabis Legal Group, will be a panelists.

▸ Michigan pot industry faces legal obstacles
Oct. 11th, 2018 | The Detroit News
The seminar, the 10th held by Royal Oak’s Cannabis Legal Group and Colorado-based Vincente Sederberg, two cannabis licensing and business law firms, came less than a month before the Nov. 6 election.

▸ The new frontier of legal weed
Sept. 23rd, 2018 | Crain’s Detroit Business
Business owners who want to enter the cannabis space will have to jump through a specific set of state and local hoops to start an operation and stay in business, said Barton Morris, founder of the Royal Oak-based Cannabis Legal Group.

▸ Many Macomb communities take wait and see approach to medical marijuana
June 25th, 2018 | Macomb Daily
Of the communities that haven’t yet committed to opting in or opting out as a place where marijuana facilities will be permitted, many are taking a wait-and-see approach until voters decide about recreational use of marijuana in November, said attorney Barton Morris, of the Royal Oak-based Cannabis Legal Group.

▸ What’s the holdup with awarding medical marijuana licenses in Michigan?
May 1st, 2018 | Detroit Free Press
“Everybody is concerned. What are patients going to do on June 15?” said Barton Morris, a Royal Oak attorney who represents cannabis clients.

▸ Federal decision on marijuana enforcement has Michigan’s fledgling business seeking answers
January 4th, 2018 | Detroit Free Press
“The industry has been bracing for this ever since Donald Trump was elected and Sessions was appointed attorney general,” said Barton Morris, a Royal Oak attorney who specializes in cannabis laws.

▸ Communities across Michigan deciding on opting in or out of medical marijuana business
August 21st, 2017 | Detroit Free Press
“It became really obvious me that this is what people want,” said Barton Morris, the principal attorney at the Cannabis Legal Group. “The number one question I get is, give me a list of the cities who want in.”

▸ Growers, Dispensaries Brace for MI Marijuana Licensing Standards
June 14th, 2017 | WKAR (PBS)
Cannabis Legal Group founder and principal Barton Morris says the new law will end the “wild west” mentality that prevails in the industry.

▸ Ohio medical marijuana law allows limited possession, use on Sept. 8, but doesn’t say where people can get it
June 30, 2016 | Cleveland.com
Michigan attorney Barton Morris said a doctor’s recommendation obtained in anticipation of the affirmative defense might qualify as an acceptable replacement for an ID card.

Latest Press Releases

▸ Cannabis Legal Group Assisting Michigan Residents With Securing Expungements As Part Of National Expungement Week 2019
September 16, 2019 | View Release

▸ Former NBA Star and Founder of Major Cannabis Business Just Added as Seminar Keynote Speaker
August 19, 2019 | View Release

▸ Cannabis Legal Group of Royal Oak Presents “Cultivating a Successful Cannabusiness” Seminar
August 15, 2019 | View Release

▸ Marijuana Businesses in 19 Cities to be Rewarded Through New Social Equity Programs
July 18, 2019 | View Release

▸ Attorney Barton W. Morris Jr. To Speak At Michigan Cannabis Industry Associations
July 3, 2019 | View Release

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