Marijuana Business Magazine - March 2018

That means retailers, growers and other plant-touching businesses should address questions and concerns, and donate to local groups to boost their image within the community. “Be open and honest” and reach out to neighbors quickly, advised Jaclyn Dolaway, the owner of Pure Life Wellness, a new medical cannabis dispensary in Balti- more’s Federal Hill neighborhood. “People are more angered when something hap- pens and they don’t know it’s coming.” Recent events bear that out. Last year, for example, an Oregon winemaker sued to stop a planned outdoor marijuana grow out of fear that “foul-smelling par- ticles” would damage the vineyard’s wine grapes. In Philadelphia, the operator of an approved medical marijuana dis- pensary was blindsided last year when 250 people attended a public meeting to protest the facility on the grounds it would lead to crime and congestion.The owner decided to open the dispensary elsewhere, costing him about $100,000 in legal, zoning and other fees. Following are tips for winning over neighboring businesses and residents when opening a marijuana business. Growing Problem Clashes involving cannabis cultiva- tors, retailers and other businesses may EXECUTIVE SUMMARY News of a planned marijuana retail outlet, grow or other business can lead to neighborhood protests and even lawsuits. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Below are tips to help win over wary neighbors and local government officials: • Don’t surprise neighbors with your plans. Contact city officials and neighborhood groups early in the process to spell out your plans and address any questions and concerns. • Prepare a website that describes your background and the goals of your operation before opening for business. • Print pamphlets to distribute to those attending public hearings. The pamphlets might emphasize that the MMJ business will help people with cancer and other illnesses, cannabis will not be smoked on the premise, and the dispensary will not attract a bad element. • Become an active member of your community by donating to local organizations and efforts. • Emphasize the economic benefits to the community, including the creation of new jobs. A little neighborly outreach and good- will can go a long way in the mari- juana industry.That approach can save you time and money – and ensure your business opens without the threat of local protestors or a costly lawsuit. To avoid headaches, marijuana business owners should meet with local neighbor- hood groups, businesses, government offi- cials and church groups well before opening their doors, industry executives and attor- neys said. well be a sign of things to come as more states legalize marijuana. But attorney Justin Moriconi, a part- ner with Moriconi Flowers in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, said dustups with neighbors and expensive lawsuits are not inevitable. “Absolutely not,” he said. “The key to avoiding neighbor disputes is getting in front of them.” No doubt, winning a legal battle is nice. But it can be so expensive it can “feel like an overall loss,”Moriconi said. Still,Moriconi predicts confrontations and lawsuits will be a growing problem, especially in “conservative jurisdictions, like Texas and the Midwest.” Dispensaries, in particular, are often unfairly portrayed “as a kind of a metha- done clinic” – a venue that can lead to a bad element hanging around a neigh- borhood and increased crime, according to Moriconi. Be a Good Corporate Citizen What’s a marijuana business owner to do? A small donation of time or money can help dispel the notion that a can- nabis business is “invading” the neigh- borhood, said Moriconi. You might even want to partner with local charities to buy a new squad car for the local police department, he suggested. March 2018 • Marijuana Business Magazine • 79 Zeta Ceti, founder and CEO of Green Rush Consulting, suggests that a cannabis business owner could make publicized donations to alcohol and drug treatment groups. Photo courtesy of Green Rush Consulting