So much for the worn-out idea that cannabis consumers are an idle lot. As millions of Californians wade into the second week of mass-lockdowns and unprecedented business closures, marijuana entrepreneurs are gearing up this week for an online pitch event that could see their businesses flourish.

Coronavirus talk has engulfed our society.  Most of us are holed up at home, with our daily patterns of life completely changed (for who knows how long).  With everything now different, what happens to our contracts and agreements we entered into before anyone had even heard of the Coronavirus?  If they are causing us financial distress or are no longer providing us any benefit, is there a way out, or are we stuck with them?  What are the options for a business struggling in these strange times?

Due to the Coronavirus, cities across America have placed restrictions on their citizens and their ability to freely associate.  Many are under forced quarantines.  In Orange County, CA, all public and private gatherings outside a single household are now banned – including work.  San Francisco is under indefinite “lockdown” (joining Italy, France, Spain, and Belgium) – although cannabis dispensaries have been deemed “essential” and allowed to stay open.  Most schools have closed indefinitely.  Courts have shut down most of their operations.  Widespread looting has been reported, and there are long lines at gun stores.  Police departments are intentionally making fewer arrests.  Regular household products like toilet and milk are sold out at many stores.

On March 5, 2020, the City of Los Angeles Cannabis Regulation Commission held a special meeting at City Hall to provide an update on the City’s commercial cannabis licensing, and an opportunity for public comment and discussion of cannabis licensing issues among members of the Commission. The Cannabis Regulation Commission makes recommendations to the City Council about proposed changes to the City’s cannabis laws and regulations.