What are my risks as a landlord who rents to a dispensing collective?
The major risk is that, if the federal government chooses to, it can raid the dispensing collective facility, and at some point, it could initiate asset forfeiture proceedings or criminally prosecute even the landlords of such facilities. Medical cannabis is legal in twelve states, but federal law still prohibits its use under any circumstances. Until federal law changes, people who use or provide medical cannabis are at risk of federal prosecution even if their conduct is legal under state law and sanctioned by local government. Despite threats by the DEA and DOJ, the risk of asset forfeiture proceedings against a landlord who is not the owner/operator of the facility is still relatively small. Although the latest intimidation tactics have resulted in the dissemination of nearly 300 threatening letters to landlords who rent to dispensing collectives throughout California (in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Sacramento, and Mendocino Cou
