On October 4, the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Cannabis Law section presented the first BASF Cannabis Conference, bringing together more than 140 lawyers and clients, professors and students, and leaders in the California cannabis movement, for a half-day of education and networking. Building on the success of this conference, the Cannabis Law section looks forward to pursuing its mission of creating member opportunities to learn and connect with others in their communities.
At the conference, Nicole Elliott, Director of the San Francisco Office of Cannabis, shared her views on the challenges and opportunities for her office and for regulated commercial cannabis in San Francisco. Berkeley Law Professor John Steele, who specializes in the law of lawyering, delivered thoughtful, practical approaches lawyers can use to manage conflicts of interest in the cannabis space. BASF Cannabis Law section secretary Nicole Neubert moderated a lively panel of lawyers and clients, including National Cannabis Bar Association President Katy Young and California Growers Association San Francisco Chapter Chair Aaron Flynn, who discussed hot topics facing lawyers and their clients in the cannabis space in 2018. And BASF proudly welcomed author and activist Martin A. Lee, co-founder and director of Project CBD, who provided an overview of the history of cannabis prohibition in the United States. Clark Neubert sponsored lunch for the conference, and attendees enjoyed a gorgeous reception at the offices of Farella Braun + Martel after the conclusion of the education sessions.
Throughout the remainder of 2018, the Cannabis Law section will facilitate the delivery of pro bono legal assistance to San Francisco Office of Cannabis Verified Equity Applicants. The section will also begin planning legal education programming for next year. In 2019, BASF members who join the section can look forward to strengthening the network of San Francisco lawyers practicing in the cannabis space, to serving the public interest in San Francisco on cannabis issues, and to developing educational programming vital for lawyers serving clients and constituents in the cannabis movement.
About the author:
Shay Gilmore serves as vice-chair of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Cannabis Law Section, established in 2018. At the Law Office of Shay Aaron Gilmore, Shay provides general counsel services with a focus on creative solutions to help cannabis businesses get started and grow.
