Colorado Gives OK for Lawyers to Advise on State's Marijuana Laws

We were pleased to learn of the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to adopt a new comment to the Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2, pertaining to the scope of a lawyer's representation. This comment officially permits a lawyer to counsel clients concerning Colorado's medical and recreational marijuana laws, despite the conflict with federal law.




 
"[14] A lawyer may counsel a client regarding the validity, scope, and meaning of Colorado constitution article XVIII, secs. 14 & 16, and may assist a client in conduct that the lawyer reasonably believes is permitted by these constitutional provisions and the statutes, regulations, orders, and other state or local provisions implementing them. In these circumstances, the lawyer shall also advise the client regarding related federal law and policy."

Our office is an advocate for similar leadership in Washington state.