Litigation Attorney Tim Swain and Cannabis Economist Andrew Livingston Slated to Speak at the 2024 AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference

Jul 22, 2024

Vicente LLP partner Tim Swain and director of economics and research Andrew Livingston will speak during the AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference in Aurora, CO on August 13. Tim will discuss litigation and forensics, and Andrew will provide insights on the cannabis market’s current conditions and future opportunities post-rescheduling. Register now!

Vicente LLP Federal and International Cannabis and Psychedelics Law and Policy Update: November 2023

Nov 10, 2023

Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP.

Top Five Countries to Watch for International Cannabis Reform in 2024

By Jason Adelstone
Nov 6, 2023

While the cannabis industry in the United States awaits a marijuana scheduling decision from the DEA, many countries around the world continue to move forward with liberalizing their cannabis policies as a superior method of promoting the health and welfare of their citizens. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at five countries poised to make waves in the cannabis landscape in 2024, including Germany, Thailand, Colombia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

[Webinar] Identifying International Cannabis Opportunities in Europe

Oct 26, 2023

This recorded session features members of Vicente LLP’s Federal and International Law and Policy practice group and London cannabis attorney Robert Jappie of Fieldfisher sharing insights into what’s happening with cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids across the pond and opportunities for US operators and investors.

Vicente LLP Partner Jennifer Cabrera Selected to 2023 Super Lawyers New York List

Oct 20, 2023

Vicente LLP partner Jennifer Cabrera was recognized by Super Lawyers for her exceptional legal work in New York! Congratulations Jennifer!

Where Does the Texas Hemp Industry Go After the 2023 Legislative Session?

By Katelin Edwards, Andrea Golan
Aug 1, 2023

Between an unfavorable court ruling and an uninspiring 2021 legislative session, not to mention a major drought impacting all Texas crops, things were not looking good for hemp in Texas going into the 2023 legislative session. Then, many of the promising bills introduced in the 2023 legislative session were unsuccessful. Where does the Texas hemp market go from here? Read this article for four predictions from Vicente's hemp team.

Elliot Choi Joins Asian Cannabis Roundtable to Discuss SAFE Banking in the Cannabis Industry

Jul 13, 2023

Join ACR for a Roundtable Discussion on SAFE banking in the cannabis industry, specifically focusing on the impact on small and minority-owned businesses. The webinar featuring Vicente attorney Elliot Choi will be held on Tuesday, July 25th, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET.

Sahar Ayinehsazian and Jen Flanagan Discuss Cannabis Banking on The Cannabis Business Minds Podcast

Apr 6, 2023

In this episode of Cannabis Minds, Jen Flanagan interviews her colleague Sahar Ayinehsazian who gives valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking services.

CBD Products Liability Lawsuits Could Be Revived After FDA Declines to Regulate Cannabidiol

By Catie Wightman
Feb 13, 2023

In recent years, several CBD companies faced product liability lawsuits brought by consumers. Many of these cases were dismissed without prejudice or stayed until the FDA takes action to regulate CBD products. Now that the FDA said it will not take action to regulate CBD, could these cases be revived?

Financing Cannabis-Related Real Estate CLE Features Charles Alovisetti

Dec 27, 2022

In a CLE on January 12, 2023, Charles Alovisetti will offer advice on the legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate

Charles Alovisetti and FL Gorman to Present ‘Cannabis and Insolvency: Debtor Creditor Rights & Remedies Under State and Federal Law’ on NYSBA Program

Oct 5, 2022

VS partners Charles Alovisetti and FL Gorman will discuss debtor-creditor rights pertaining to cannabis at NYSBA’s virtual CRE program on October 6

Raising Private Capital in the Cannabis Industry

By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Sahar Ayinehsazian
Sep 29, 2022

Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Sahar Ayinehsazian write for the Bloomberg Law, reflecting on the challenges and journey of raising private capital in the cannabis industry

Banking Compliance in the Cannabis Industry NHCC Legal Committee Roundtable features Jerrico Perez and Sahar Ayinehsazian

Sep 21, 2022

VS partners Sahar Ayinehsazian and Jerrico Perez will be on a LIVE cannabis banking compliance NHCC Legal Committee seminar on September 28!

Sahar Ayinehsazian scheduled to join the 2022 PBC Conference for a Cannabis Banking Panel

Jul 29, 2022

Sahar Ayinehsazian will be speaking at the 2022 PBC Conference on September 8, 2022 to discuss financial investing in the cannabis business space

VS Attorneys Will Present CLEs at INCBA Cannabis Law Institute

May 23, 2022

International Cannabis Bar Association's annual conference will feature VS attorneys Shawn Hauser and Shane Pennington in sessions focused on emerging cannabinoids and the CLI's first-ever moot court (Sisley v. DEA), respectively.

HIA v DEA Lawsuit: The Hemp Industry Needs Your Support to End DEA Overreach

Apr 14, 2022

Update on the lawsuit HIA & RE Botanicals, Inc v. DEA and why this case is critical to the hemp industry's future.

Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: April 2022

Apr 4, 2022

Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.

Shane Pennington Slated to Present at SXSW 2022 'Cannabis Industry Evolution Summit' with Dr. Sue Sisley and Matt Zorn

Mar 4, 2022

VS counsel Shane Pennington is joining Dr. Sue Sisley and attorney Matt Zorn on Tuesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. CT for the SXSW session "Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-year NIDA Monopoly."

Sahar Ayinehsazian Joining Cannabis Litigation and Insurance Panel at 2021 NAPABA Convention

Dec 4, 2021

VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian is slated to speak at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention on December 10, 2021.

Jennifer Cabrera Featured in INCBA CLE: Litigation When Your Client’s Cannabis Business Investment Goes Up In Smoke

Nov 22, 2021

The legal cannabis industry is expanding rapidly worldwide. But where there is smoke, there is fire. Watch this on-demand CLE with VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera for a discussion on the good, the bad, and the ugly of cannabis finance and investment litigation.

NIDA Monopoly is Over: New DEA-Registered Cannabis Growers Can Supply Researchers with Product

By Shane Pennington
Nov 4, 2021

The NIDA monopoly on cultivating cannabis for research ended in May 2021. Researchers can now study cannabis from state-legal markets by getting it from one of DEA's newly-licensed cannabis cultivators.

Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: September 2021

Sep 14, 2021

Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.

The Battle to Allow Smokable Hemp in Texas

By Shane Pennington
Sep 13, 2021

Texas has allowed hemp cultivation and state-based manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of hemp and consumable hemp products since 2019—but only if the products weren’t intended for smoking. This prohibition on a product with such high value for hemp farmers—and soaring consumer demand—was sure to make waves.

SXSW 2022 Panelpicker is Open! Vote for 'Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-Year NIDA Monopoly'

Aug 25, 2021

Vote for the panel "Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-Year NIDA Monopoly," featuring Shane Pennington to be included in SXSW 2022!

sxsw

Aug 25, 2021

Vote for the panel "Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-Year NIDA Monopoly," featuring Shane Pennington to be included in SXSW 2022!

7 VS Attorneys Included in The Best Lawyers in America 2022

Aug 19, 2021

Vicente Sederberg LLP is pleased to share that five lawyers representing the firm’s Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York offices were recognized by their attorney peers in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.

Andrew Livingston Discusses Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act on The Green Rush Live

Aug 18, 2021

VS director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, joined The Green Rush Live to discuss the Federal CAO Act and more.

Psychedelics As Medicine: Right To Try Case Versus DEA

By Shane Pennington
Aug 9, 2021

In what could be a groundbreaking case for psychedelic medicine, VS counsel Shane Pennington is part of a team working on an exciting and very important Ninth Circuit challenge to the DEA's refusal to accommodate state and federal right to try laws.

Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: June 2021

Jun 10, 2021

Update on hemp legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.

Shane Pennington Interviewed About Marijuana's Schedule 1 Drug Classification by the DEA

Jun 9, 2021

This week in federal court, VS counsel Shane Pennington will give oral arguments to get cannabis out of the Schedule 1 drug classification.

Shane Pennington Discusses Hemp Industry Litigation in Response to DEA Overreach in HIA Webinar

May 26, 2021

VS counsel Shane Pennington joined Rod Kight and Hemp Industries Association to discuss the lawsuit against DEA, challenging the DEA's interim final rule.

A Closer Look at Colorado COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Corey Cox, Caitlin Wightman
May 24, 2021

The Colorado government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Supporting Medical Cannabis is a Political Win for Texas Republicans

By Dwight Clark, Shawn Hauser, Jerrico Perez
May 18, 2021

Championing medical cannabis legislation would likely help Republican lawmakers attract younger supporters, appeal to more unaffiliated voters, and remain competitive.

What is a Cannabis REIT?

By Charles Alovisetti, Cassia Furman
Apr 23, 2021

To many in the cannabis industry, REIT is not a common acronym. Yet, as cannabis businesses seek ways to raise funds, REITs are coming up in more and more conversations.

VS Attorneys to Moderate Discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski at Luck Summit Texas Cannabis Convention

Apr 23, 2021

Shawn Hauser and Jerrico Perez are slated to moderate two can't-miss discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski on April 27 and 28 during Willie Nelson's first annual Luck Summit.

How to Support Responsible Cannabis Legalization Efforts in Texas

By Shawn Hauser
Mar 23, 2021

While we move closer to federal legalization, the great state of Texas remains an untapped major market—ripe for reform, but hard to move. Read this for opportunities to help bring about more responsible cannabis policies in the Lone Star State.

Andrew Livingston to Participate in Cannabis Market Economics Seminar with Informed Texas

Mar 1, 2021

On March 6, 2021, Andrew Livingston will participate in the virtual event "Economics of a Regulated Cannabis Market," presented by the nonprofit cannabis advocacy organization Foundation for an Informed Texas. 

Tips for Appealing a Cannabis License Denial

By Jennifer Cabrera, Andrea Golan, Brandon Kurtzman, Jerrico Perez
Feb 3, 2021

Regulatory agencies can deny cannabis license applications for various reasons, but a denied application is not the end of the line.

What Efforts Are Underway to Include Cannabis Businesses in COVID-19 Relief Packages?

By Andrea A. Golan, Michelle Bodian
Jan 28, 2021

Cannabis businesses are not eligible for relief under any of the federal COVID-19 aid packages, but members of Congress and industry groups are making significant efforts to include cannabis businesses in federal aid.

Seven Regulatory-related Factors for Marijuana Companies to Consider in a Debt Transaction

By Charles Alovisetti
Jan 25, 2021

Like anything in the cannabis industry, getting a debt deal done requires navigating unique regulatory challenges. Here are seven regulatory considerations that cannabis borrowers and lenders should keep in mind when pursuing a debt transaction.

The Cannabis Business: Understanding Law, Finance, and Governance in America's Newest Industry

By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 18, 2020

Vicente Sederberg attorneys wrote the book on cannabis law — and now you can own it! This comprehensive primer on all things cannabis law is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand the major practical legal issues facing the marijuana and hemp industries.

Celebrating 10 Years at the Leading Edge of Cannabis Law

By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 1, 2020

For our 10th anniversary, we take a look back at VS's history of leadership in cannabis law, the marijuana and hemp industries, and drug policy reform.

Litigation Funding for Cannabis and Hemp Businesses

By Jennifer Cabrera, David Kramer
Nov 30, 2020

As anyone who has been involved in a legal dispute knows, litigation can be very costly. Thankfully, litigation funding is an option and lenders are increasingly willing to lend to cannabis and hemp businesses.

Cannabis Litigation vs. Arbitration

By Jennifer Cabrera
Nov 20, 2020

While it’s best to avoid litigation and arbitration in the first place, disputes happen and are occurring more frequently in the maturing cannabis sector. Here's a primer on both.

[Webinar] Challenging a Cannabis License Denial

Oct 27, 2020

If you operate in the cannabis industry, chances are you’ll need to challenge a regulatory decision at some point. Watch this session to learn about your options.

The Economic Benefits of Regulating and Taxing Cannabis in Texas

By Andrew Livingston, Shawn Hauser, Dwight Clark, Mason Tvert
Oct 21, 2020

Texas could see more than half a billion dollars in annual tax revenue and tens of thousands of new jobs if it legalizes cannabis, a VS analysis finds.

Raising Private Capital in the Cannabis Industry

By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Sahar Ayinehsazian
Sep 18, 2020

Raising private capital continues to be a challenge for the nascent cannabis industry, but there are proactive steps companies can take to maximize the chance of a successful raise.

Sahar Ayinehsazian to Discuss Cannabis Banking at DRI Virtual Seminar

Sep 3, 2020

Sahar will present "Curbing Cannabis Cash" at DRI's Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar on September 17, 2020.

Jennifer Cabrera Slated to Present Cannabis Litigation Session at NECANN Online

Sep 3, 2020

Jennifer will present "Litigation is Coming! What Cannabis Businesses Need to Know Now" at NECANN Online on September 26, 2020.

California Hemp Company Files Lawsuit Against Colorado Hemp Seed Producer

Sep 2, 2020

Exotic Canopy Solutions LLC, represented by Vicente Sederberg LLP, filed a complaint against Eastern Colorado Hemp Operations, Inc. and Curnativ Farms LLC.

Brian Vicente to Speak at ADTA Denver Annual Meeting

Aug 31, 2020

VS founding partner Brian Vicente will discuss litigation and regulation in the cannabis industry as part of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys Denver Annual Meeting.

[Webinar] How Can Cannabis Businesses Maximize Tax Savings During Times of Uncertainty?

Aug 13, 2020

This session explores the complexity of mergers and acquisitions and how to optimize taxes to free cash flow for your cannabis business.

Jennifer Cabrera Discusses Cannabis in Interview with New York Real Estate Journal

Jul 30, 2020

Watch this to hear about unique business issues in the cannabis industry, including real estate difficulties, in this interview with Rick Kaplan of NYREJ.

Lessons Learned from Recent Hemp and CBD Litigation: They Went to Court so You Can Stay Home

By Michelle Bodian, David Kramer
Jul 13, 2020

The past year has seen an uptick of hemp and CBD-related lawsuits across the country. This article explores the valuable lessons for hemp and CBD businesses to learn from a few of the cases.

Sahar Ayinehsazian Talks Cannabis Banking on Hashtag Finance Podcast with Barrington Miller

Jul 9, 2020

VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian discusses cannabis industry banking and the many reasons why there is a demand for cannabis legal advice during the COVID-19 pandemic on CSE's Hashtag Finance podcast.

How to Prepare for Cannabis Business Ownership Disputes in Colorado

By Justin Johnson
Jun 19, 2020

Many licensed Colorado marijuana businesses unfortunately experience disputes among their owners. Reasons vary, but almost all of them trigger regulatory issues that must be navigated.

What’s Next for Texas Hemp?

By Shawn Hauser
May 19, 2020

With its incredible farming communities, over 100 million acres of farmland, and large manufacturing and research infrastructure, Texas is poised to play a significant role in the U.S. hemp industry.

Preparing for the Rising Demand for Due Diligence in Cannabis Transactions

By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Sahar Ayinehsazian, Corey Cox
May 5, 2020

The continuing growth of the cannabis and hemp industries has given rise to the need for specifically tailored due diligence.

A Closer Look at Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Meg Nash, David Gately
Apr 30, 2020

The Massachusetts government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Can Cannabis Businesses Defer Employment Taxes Due to the Coronavirus?

By Andrea A. Golan
Apr 24, 2020

While cannabis businesses are not currently eligible for many federal relief programs established in response to COVID-19, they may be eligible for this form of federal relief.

A Closer Look at California COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Andrea A. Golan and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 22, 2020

Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark Featured in Texas NORML 420 Stream-A-Thon

Apr 20, 2020

Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark talked about SBA loans for cannabis businesses and political advocacy during Texas NORML's 420 Stream-A-Thon.

Coronavirus and Cannabis: Hemp Industry Updates

Apr 17, 2020

Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on hemp businesses, service providers, and consumers.

Exploring Alternatives to Bankruptcy for Cannabis Businesses

By Charles Alovisetti, Phil Silverman, Jason Adelstone
Apr 17, 2020

Bankruptcy law provides advantages for financially distressed companies to restructure debt while continuing to operate. Without access to U.S. Bankruptcy Code protections, marijuana companies must turn to out-of-court restructurings and state law insolvency proceedings.

Shawn Hauser Gives Federal Update in Texas NORML State of Cannabis 2020

Mar 18, 2020

Vicente Sederberg LLP partner Shawn Hauser participated in Texas NORML's "State of Cannabis 2020." Watch it here!

Big News from the Lone Star State: Vicente Sederberg LLP Establishes Texas Office

Mar 12, 2020

Vicente Sederberg LLP has been working hard for many years to shape cannabis policy reform in Texas... and now we're pleased to announce that we've opened an office in Austin!

[Webinar Replay] Taxation in the Cannabis Industry

Mar 6, 2020

Learn about cannabis industry best practices for indirect taxes and 280E by watching this webinar replay with tax firm Ryan LLC and attorney Jordan Wellington.

[Webinar] Best Practices for Minimizing Tax Liabilities in the Cannabis Industry

Dec 13, 2019

Join VS and the tax experts at Ryan LLC for a live discussion on cannabis industry taxation, including 280E and best practices for indirect tax issues in the cannabis industry.

Hope for Hemp Banking: Federal Guidance Clarifies and Eases Reporting Requirements

By Sahar Ayinehsazian, Associate Attorney
Dec 12, 2019

On December 3, 2019, a group of federal financial regulators took an important step to enable hemp operators to access banking services by publishing hemp banking guidance.

On-Demand Webinar: Investing in the Cannabis & Hemp Industries

Oct 29, 2019

Watch Vicente Sederberg LLP attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian and HUB International Insurance Services in this on-demand webinar about investments in the cannabis industry.

Blue Sky Laws and the Cannabis Industry

By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner
Oct 7, 2019

In addition to federal securities laws, each state and territory has its own securities laws, often referred to as blue sky laws. Cannabis company compliance with these rules may be more important due to heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Can Hemp Companies Declare Bankruptcy?

By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner; Phil Silverman, Counsel; Jason Adelstone, Law Clerk
Sep 27, 2019

One of the many issues arising out of the tension between state and federal law in the cannabis industry is whether cannabis companies can access the protections of federal bankruptcy law.

Sahar Ayinehsazian Chats with WeedWeek About the Great Cannabis Banking Thaw

Aug 28, 2019

WeedWeek hosts Alex Halperin and Donnell Alexander recently invited VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian to discuss cannabis banking on their weekly podcast.

Five Reasons Why Texas Could Be “The Great Hemp State”

By Shawn Hauser, Partner; Courtney Barnes, Associate Attorney; Caitlin Wightman, Law Clerk
Jul 30, 2019

Here are five reasons why Texas is positioned to become one of the top hemp producers and researchers in the US, and potentially internationally.