It's now OK for Ohio lawyers to work with clients navigating the state's new medical marijuana industry – at least, according to state ethical rules governing attorney behavior.
The Ohio Supreme Court, which sets the rules for professional conduct and ethical responsibilities for lawyers practicing in the state, amended its rules Tuesday, Sept. 20, to address counseling and assisting clients involved with the legal cannabis industry Ohio's new medical marijuana law, HB 523, effectively establishes.
Assisting with business formations, license applications, regulatory compliance and intellectual property issues were among the litany of services lawyers were seemingly precluded from helping marijuana clients with before the rules were changed.
The court's amendment does direct attorneys to advise clients on federal laws as well, touching on the incongruity between state law and federal marijuana prohibition.
