1. Tell us a little about Professional Organic Solutions.
Professional Organic Solutions is an extensive network of experts and former elected officials. Our team members have longstanding government experience that allows for a thorough grasp of the laws, finance vehicles and regulations that affect the medical cannabis industry.
2. Tell us about the work you’ve done over the years and your role at Professional Organic Solutions.
As a former elected official of 16 years and past president of the League of California Cities’ Los Angeles Division, I have an extensive background in municipal government. I have utilized this experience to help educate elected officials, city staff and business entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of the medical cannabis industry.
I contribute to municipality efforts to draft ordinances, educate their communities and establish a licensing procedure process that is consistent with state law. Additionally, my real estate background allows me to identify key locations that are suitable for the industry.
3. How has civic involvement impacted your work in the medical cannabis industry?
My civic involvement has given me the opportunity to navigate the myriad of complexities that make up this industry, allowing me to formulate responsible policy for cities as they adopt regulatory structure toward medical cannabis.
4. How has the industry changed in California over time? How have new regulations and standards in this area impacted cities in California?
Over the last decade, the medical cannabis industry has gone from being largely unregulated and illicit to widely accepted for its medicinal value to ailing patients with various diseases and conditions. Although new regulations and standards are young and untested, there is optimism that cities will develop a regulatory policy that is consistent with the State of California’s regulatory policy and language under SB 94.
5. What is the biggest impediment to new medical cannabis projects in CA?
I believe the biggest impediment to new medical cannabis projects in CA is the position the Federal Government maintains in classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. The classification makes medical cannabis illegal under Federal Law, hindering banking in the industry at any Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-approved banks. Until this substance is descheduled as a controlled substance, it will not reach its true potential as an effective medicine in society.
6. Tell us about a recent accomplishment or success story at Professional Organic Solutions.
Besides multiple RFPs, we have competed with various municipalities. We are monitoring successful ordinance and regulatory implementation with a variety of cities.
7. What brought you to Professional Organic Solutions?
I have a 20 year long relationship with Phil Reyes, Professional Organic Solutions’ founder and principal partner. Phil saw a valuable skillset exhibited by my real estate background and network of civic relationships, so he asked me to join him at the firm.
8. What peaks your interest about the medical cannabis industry?
I have an affinity and respect for the plant’s medicinal properties. I have seen firsthand the positive results this plant has for patients with various conditions, including arthritis, epilepsy, Bell’s palsy, fibromyalgia and post traumatic stress disorder. I believe that we are on the verge of discovering the real medicinal benefits that this plant has to offer and are overcoming the challenges and stigma that it has endured to date.
9. What regulatory hurdles need to be addressed to advance the medical cannabis industry in CA?
The plant and subsequent industry need to be regulated and descheduled under the Federal Government. Banking regulations need to be softened with regards to the rules governing asset purchasing and loans as well as federal deposits in the banking industry.
10. Anything else you want to talk about regarding these issues or Professional Organic Solutions?
Services for Government and Elected Officials
This is the right time to position your community and adopt a local ordinance for medical cannabis sales and cultivation. We are here to support and help you develop a policy that’s specific to your community’s needs for medical cannabis sales and cultivation.
No one understands the political minefield that medical marijuana is better than us. Being able to serve your community while spearheading lucrative and innovative opportunities for business through legal, organized and ethical dispensaries brings forward a unique challenge.
Professional Organics provides you with experience from both sides of the fence. Our principals and several of our partners have been elected officials serving their constituents for many years. Along with our legal counsel you can be sure that Professional Organics will provide you with the necessary experience to manage your campaign, develop public policy and create business opportunities for your community. Every solution is specifically developed with you and your constituents in mind. Our experience is what sets us apart.
Develop Responsible Public Policy
Under our guidance we can review or develop policies that will allow for the responsible allocation of business licenses to dispensaries and cultivators. Always with the benefit of the community in mind.
Community Outreach
Get your message out. There is no more harm or important point in medical marijuana than the lack of information. We help you get the facts about your policy, the benefits of bringing dispensaries and cultivators into the city and provide you with the services and factual materials to inform the public.
