Cultiva Attorneys Featured in National and Local News
Cultiva’s own Aaron Pelley was recently featured in the Spokesman-Review for his selection as a Featured Speaker at this year’s upcoming Seattle Hempfest.
Aaron Pelley will be featured at Hempfest’s 27th annual “protestival” held in Myrtle Edwards Park and Elliot Bay Park on August 17, 18, and 19, 2018. Originally called the Washington Hemp Expo in 1991, the protestival was a one-day event focused on the failed war on drugs, addressing the need for more and better information regarding cannabis, and an opportunity for cannabis-minded individuals (and others) to network and have fun. The original event drew 500 people; today, Hempfest draws thousands each day. More than 400 arts, crafts, food, drink, and informational vendors will be available to attendees over the three days, as well as prominent speakers and musicians on four stages. While the event is free, organizers suggest a $10 donation for those who are able.
Cultiva Law and Mr. Pelley will also be hosting a free clinic at Hempfest next week where we will assist people in vacating their criminal records for marijuana convictions. Stay tuned for a more detailed post on what services we will offer, what you need to know and bring, and other considerations early next week.
Cultiva attorney Sam Mendez was interviewed and quoted in The Stranger regarding the legal risk of personally growing cannabis in Washington State.
Now that marijuana has been legal for six years, many Washington State residents have written off the legal risk of growing pot at home – also known as “homegrow.” But the Washington State recreational cannabis market is highly regulated, and even growing a single plant in your home (or on other unlicensed property) can result in state and federal criminal prosecutions for the manufacture of a controlled substance, carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison and a substantial fine, according to Mr. Mendez. While the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has considered ways in which to permit limited homegrows in its cities and towns, it has yet to implement any laws permitting such activity. While many state legislators have expressed general support for a policy allowing homegrows, they are also challenged by “priority concerns:” minimizing underage use and black market activity.
