Issue 7 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 7 2020 71 Oct19441 Keeping Cannabis Compliant The legalization of marijuana in the United States has been a long and arduous process, but thanks to medical research and the benefits it can have for certain individuals, it has recently become more widely accepted in some states. One of those is Alaska, where Jana Weltzin has been recognized for her work with the title of Leading Marijuana Compliance and Regulatory Attorney of the Year, Alaska. Proficient in the arenas of cannabis business and regulatory law, we find out how this fearless leader has set the standard for excellence. wned by Jana Weltzin, JDW Counsel is a legal practice that focuses in land use and zoning law, medical marijuana law in Arizona, and recreational marijuana business law or regulation compliance in Alaska. JDWCounsel provides representation for liquor and cannabis clientele relating to business structure, permitting and licensing, land use applications and hearings, conditional use permits, investment connections and presentations, regulation compliance, real estate commercial leasing and purchases, operations, and general activism for the cannabis industry. However, it is the drive and desire of the firm’s owner, Ms Weltzin, that has seen JDW Counsel position itself as a key player in the fight to legalize cannabis and ensure its proper regulation across Alaska and much of the rest of the United States. As a regular contributor to Marijuana Venture Magazine’s legal section and other various publications, Ms Weltzin is a leading expert and authority on much of the industry current regulation, or lack thereof in some cases. During a 2015 legislative session, Ms Weltzin played an invaluable role through her work with the Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation, initiative sponsors, and future Alaskan cannabis businesses. She tirelessly advocated for and analysed proposed cannabis-related legislation to ensure sustainable success for the industry long-term. Ms Weltzin’s journey towards legal excellence first began back in 2009, when she enrolled at the Arizona State University College of Law. In 2012, Ms Weltzin graduated with her juris doctor degree, and went on to work at the Rose Law Group in Arizona, where she was involved in business law, cannabis regulation compliance and licensing processes, and land use issues. Then, in November 2015, Ms Weltzin left her role at the Rose Law Group in order to found and operate JDW Counsel, where she has since remained as an exceptional business advisor and legal representative for the cannabis industry. JDW Counsel has been successful over the past four and a half years for a myriad of reasons, but chief amongst them is the dedication, knowledge, and legal acumen that Ms Weltzin brings to her work every single day. Caring for her clients and their businesses at every turn, Ms Weltzin helps them to succeed in owning their business and reaching their full potential. As an activist, idealist, and marijuana industry professional, there are few better that Ms Weltzin when it comes to offering the right legal counsel. She is efficient, effective, and her expertise is invaluable to any business looking to navigate the compliance regulations of Alaska’s cannabis industry. Within just a few minutes of that first meeting with Ms Weltzin, clients can rest assured that there are in the hands of one of the focused, O well-versed, personable, and professional people in the cannabis industry. She has worked tirelessly to understand the complexities and nuances of the industry, and helps clients overcome any inevitable hurdles with creativity and integrity. One of the most challenging aspects to running a business within the cannabis industry is the struggle to be treated as a normal. Every single normal business chore is exacerbated and takes three times the amount of effort and energy to complete than if the company was a non-marijuana business. Paying employees in cash, utilities, quarterly taxes; the list goes on and on. Another aspect is fighting for smart regulation as opposed to mass regulation. Local and state marijuana-specific taxation is severely hampering business’ ability to be profitable and therefore reduces their ability to be valuable. Ms Weltzin and her team are working to change that, by advising clients on proper structures to help them try and minimize the negative impacts of over-taxation. Simply put, Ms Weltzin and her team at JDW Counsel are amongst some of the finest and most expertly authorities on the cannabis industry in Alaska. As it becomes more and more legalized, and the necessity for proper regulation and compliance grows, Ms Weltzin ensures that all of her clients are fully prepared for whatever the future may hold. Company: JDW Counsel Contact: Jana Weltzin Website: www.jdwcounsel.com