Fair, cannabis law attorney and owner of Vermont Cannabis Solutions, describes this double-edged sword: "Under the American Bar Association, attorneys cannot tell clients to break the law. So, by offering legal advice and support to establish a cannabis dispensary, technically and in the eyes of a federal prosecutor, a cannabis attorney is aiding an illicit or criminal enterprise, which could be grounds for being disbarred. Cannabis attorneys are in violation of federal law; we all are; we all have something to worry about here." So where does this leave us? The federal legalization timeline is completely unknown and unpredictable, particularly considering the current administration. The best thing you can do is know your rights and your boundaries. Here are a few tips:
1.
Do not possess or use on federal property, including monuments and national parks.
2.
Do not consume while driving and do not drive while impaired. Ensure that your car is maintained and legal to operate on the road. Do not have an open container in a car, boat or plane.
3.
Do not fly with cannabis, even on flights between two legalized states.
4.
Do not smoke in public.
5.
If you are detained: Do not consent to a police search. Do not admit to prior cannabis use; refuse to answer the question. Plead the Fifth.
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As the Legal Director on the Board of Directors for California NORML, Bill Panzer, puts it: Just remember to tell officers that "my lawyer told me not to talk to the police and if I don't take his advice, he'll double the price."