KM member honored by NORML
It is with great honor and pleasure that we have the opportunity to share with you the exciting news for one of our treasured KM members, Mr. Leland Berger, a warrior cannabis attorney and front line cannabis activist and defender of creation in the Pacific Northwest courts since 1983 who has proven to be Creator sent for many by defending clients in court, drafting dispensary initiatives and even has lobbied the Oregon Legislature on behalf of patients and their providers from 1999 – 2013 when he formed the "Oregon CannaBusiness Compliance Counsel, LLC " which is his pride and focus since. Mr. Berger’s practice now includes advising canna-businesses on compliance, and representation on related administrative and trial litigation, as well as state cannabis related criminal defense and appeals.
For many, he is most appreciated for having been a co-drafter of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act which passed into law in 1998 allowing exemption for residents in Oregon who qualified for the right to use cannabis for medicinal reasons. Les also co-authored Ballot Measure 91 which is the newest law laxing on cannabis to pass in Oregon, this time for recreational purpose!
Leland is also co-founder and member of the Board of Directors for the National Cannabis Bar Association. Additionally Leland is the co-founder and char for the Oregon State Bar Cannabis Law Section and is also founder and chair for the Portland (Oregon) NORML Legislative Committee, which is what brings us to our announcement about him today. He is also well respected for his citizen lobbying and public speaking at a wide range of various canabis encompassing events nationally.
Here is word of the email he received November 20th 2017 that we are honored to be able to share with you:
Hello…and,
I am here to tell you about your selection to the Distinguished Counsel’s Circle of NORML.
Each Fall, the Board of Directors selects 4-5 regional names of lawyers who have enhanced and broadened, over the years, the reputation of NORML by their activism and energy, their passion and professionalism.
This year you were a nominee, finalist, and winner. Congratulations.
Our class this year consists of you, Omar Figueroa, Allison Holcomb, Kyndra Miller, and Lenny Frieling.
The awards will be presented at our Key West Legal Seminar annual dinner, this year on Saturday, December 9, at the Pier House Hotel.
If you can make the event, of course you are welcome.
If not, I will be sending you your honorary plaque soon afterwards.
On behalf of our entire Board, congratulations on this distinct annual honor, now only in its third year.
You are most certainly a worthy recipient.
Sincerely,
Norm Kent
For those of you who don't know of Leland Berger, allow us the privilege of enlightening you.
Leland's educational credentials include having graduated from both Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA where he majored in Political Science and Minored in American Studies when he obtained his BA in 1978 And the Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College, Class of 1982 when he obtained his JD in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Berger is admitted to practice in all courts of the state of Oregon, before the US District Court for the District of Oregon, the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the US Supreme Court ~ Holay!
Previous awards Leland has been honored with include:
Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oregon Cannabis Industry Association in 2014
Citizen Activist Award by NORML in 2010
President's Award from the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2008
Freedom Fighter of the Month by High Times Magazine in 2000
Mr. Berger is assisted at OC3 by Legal Assistant, Office Manager and Industry Insider Leia Flynn.
“I had been a criminal lawyer for decades and I was concerned that when I shifted my practice to advising clients about how to be compliant with the new rules and regulations it would be boring, but not so much. It’s an exciting time to be practicing in this area right now,”
If you would like to reach out to Leland's wisdom and or assistance, here is the contact info we have on him to offer you... tell him WE sent you!
Oregon CannaBusiness Compliance Counsel, LLC
2613 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Suite 200
Portland, OR 97212www.oregonc3.com
Phone: 503-432-8775
As a;ways, we Thank you for your continued interest, contributions and your support. Blessings to you all, go in a good medicine way and please stay tuned!
