Community Leader Forum - Lakeland - Richard M. Blau, Shareholder, GrayRobinson

LAKELAND, FL -- September 23, 2016 -- GrayRobinson's Lakeland law firm office held a Community Leader Forum featuring Richard M. Blau, chair of GrayRobinson's Nationwide Alcohol Beverage and Food Law Department and head of the firm’s Regulated Products Team. Richard’s presentation focused on the 2014 legislation approving the restricted cultivation, sale and dispensing of low-THC "Charlotte’s Web" medical cannabis in Florida and the prospects for expanded legalization of medical cannabis based on the upcoming November ballot initiative.

Held Thursday, September 22nd at the Grasslands Golf and Country Club before a crowded room, Blau spoke on a variety of topics, including:

  • how the cultivation and regulation of restricted "Charlotte's Web" medical cannabis currently works in Florida;
  • implications of the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2, on the November 8, 2016 ballot in Florida as an initiated constitutional amendment;
  • impact on Polk County agriculture and agriculture-related business;
  • effect on the healthcare industry, including physician requirements, training, and any potential medical practice exposures; and
  • interplay between legalized medical cannabis and law enforcement.


For more information on the event see the article featured in The Ledger, "Lakeland lawyer warns that legalization of marijuana will lead to unanticipated consequences".

Through its Community Leader Forums, GrayRobinson brings together clients, attorneys and friends of the firm to hear high-profile business and community leaders and elected officials discuss issues of importance to the state of Florida.