At Seligson Law, we help cannabis employers navigate the complex intersection of employment law and the cannabis industry. Our California cannabis lawyers work with licensed cannabis operators to prevent workplace issues, develop compliant policies, and respond swiftly when disputes arise.
Employment Counsel for Cannabis Businesses in California
Cannabis employers in California face a unique intersection of labor and regulatory law. From wage and hour compliance to workplace safety and employee classification, the legal requirements are complex, and getting it wrong can put your business and your license at risk.
At Seligson Law, we help cannabis operators navigate these obligations with practical, business-minded guidance.
We advise retailers, cultivators, distributors, manufacturers, and other cannabis businesses on employment policies that comply with California labor standards while considering cannabis-specific regulations enforced by the DCC and others agencies. That includes helping you onboard employees properly, draft compliant handbooks, and respond confidently to complaints or audits.
Preventing Problems—and Solving Them When They Arise
A strong employment foundation helps you avoid costly disputes, but even the most compliant businesses can find themselves facing claims. Whether it’s a wage and hour class action, allegations of retaliation, or a discrimination complaint, we work quickly to evaluate the risks and defend your business. Our approach is strategic and direct: we aim to resolve issues efficiently while protecting your reputation and operations.
Because employment violations in the cannabis industry can affect licensure, we’re always thinking a step ahead. We don’t just handle the legal claim. We coordinate the defense in a way that safeguards your ability to keep working, growing, and thriving.
As your workforce grows and regulations shift, we’re here to provide ongoing support. From reviewing contracts and severance agreements to consulting on workplace changes or layoffs, we offer the kind of responsive, informed guidance cannabis employers need in a fast-changing environment.
Why Choose Seligson Law?
People build cannabis businesses because they believe in what they’re doing. But building something real means hiring a team, running payroll, setting policies, and managing it all in an industry under intense scrutiny. That’s not easy.
In cannabis, employment decisions aren’t just HR issues. They’re legal, financial, and operational risks. One mistake can jeopardize your license, your reputation, or your ability to keep operating.
That’s why clients come to Seligson Law. We understand both the legal landscape and the day-to-day realities of running a cannabis business in California. We help you protect your business without losing sight of your bigger goals. When issues come up, we respond quickly, solve problems efficiently, and keep you one step ahead.
You’re here to grow something that lasts. We’re here to help you protect it.
Our California Cannabis Employment Law Process
At Seligson Law, we provide clear, strategic support at every stage of the employer-employee relationship. Here’s how we work with cannabis businesses:
Employer Consultation
We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your workforce, employment practices, and any active concerns—whether it’s a dispute, a policy issue, or a compliance question.
Policy & Risk Assessment
Our team reviews your current employment policies, classifications, and procedures to identify risks and ensure compliance with cannabis regulations and labor law.
Strategic Support & Representation
Whether you need help responding to a claim, revising handbooks, negotiating severance, or training managers, we step in with solutions grounded in the realities of your business.
Ongoing Guidance & Prevention
We offer long-term counsel to support your growth, monitoring changes in law, updating your practices, and helping you avoid employment-related pitfalls before they arise.
FAQs
What employment laws apply to cannabis businesses in California?
Cannabis employers must follow the same state and federal employment laws as other businesses, including wage and hour rules, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety standards, as well as cannabis-specific regulations issued by the DCC.
Do I need an employee handbook or written policies?
Yes. Having clear, compliant policies helps protect your business, set expectations, and defend against future claims. We can draft or review your handbook to ensure it aligns with both California labor laws and cannabis regulations.
What’s the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?
Misclassifying a worker can result in significant penalties. California uses a strict “ABC test” for determining worker status, and most workers in the cannabis industry don’t meet the test for independent contractors. We can help you get it right from the start.
How should I handle employee complaints or internal disputes?
Don’t ignore them. Document the issue, follow any internal protocols you’ve established, and get legal guidance early. A proactive response can often prevent a small issue from becoming a legal problem.
What should I do if a former employee threatens to sue?
Reach out to your attorney immediately. Don’t try to resolve it alone or make promises. We’ll review the facts, assess the risk, and help you respond strategically to protect your business.
Contact Seligson Law Cannabis Employment Lawyers Today
Grow your California cannabis business with confidence. With us handling the legal side, you can focus on staying ahead in the industry and doing what you do best. Contact us today so we can get started working together.
