Colo. court says lawyers can advise pot clients
DENVER (AP) — Colorado's Supreme Court says attorneys in the state can advise marijuana businesses on how to navigate the industry's legal complexities without fear of violating state ethics rules.
The court issued its rule change Monday. It offers attorneys assurance that they won't be punished solely for giving clients pot-related legal advice, as long as they also advise clients about federal law and policy.
Colorado legalized recreational sales of the drug in January, but they remain illegal under federal law.
The court's attorney regulation counsel, James Coyle, says Colorado's supreme court is the first to offer such guidance to attorneys. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut have similar proposals before their high courts, and legal communities in other states are also grappling with similar questions about marijuana and attorney conduct.
