By Vicente LLP
Mar 18, 2025
As Vicente LLP celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, we reflect on 15 milestones that highlight our growth, commitment to advocacy, and the important role our firm has played in cannabis law, psychedelics law, and drug policy reform.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Neil Willner
Mar 11, 2025
As New York’s cannabis market evolves, regulators are ramping up enforcement. Licensees must have a proactive compliance strategy for their business to avoid fines and penalties. In this insights post, we dive into the key areas of compliance risk under the newly established Trade Practices Bureau, including ownership violations, license stacking, and fraudulent practices. We also highlight proactive steps businesses can take to stay ahead of regulatory changes and protect their licenses.
Dec 2, 2024
Vicente LLP is honored to announce that ten attorneys from our Boston office were selected for inclusion in Boston Magazine’s 2024 “Top Lawyers” list. Each year, Boston Magazine highlights the outstanding legal professionals in the Greater Boston area who blend exceptional legal services with a “genuine commitment to helping their clients.” Congratulations to our Vicente attorneys recognized for their work in Corporate Law, Government and Administrative Law, Civil Law Litigation, Land Use/Environment, Business Law, and Commercial Litigation!
Nov 21, 2024
Building a strong and distinctive brand identity for your business is crucial for driving sales, fostering consumer loyalty, and standing out in any industry, but it is especially important for emerging and rapidly evolving sectors such as cannabis and hemp. Watch this Vicente session to learn about trademarks and why they are essential for protecting your brand's name, logo, and overall image.
By Meg Nash, Casey Leaver, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 7, 2024
Congratulations to those who won a cannabis social equity license in the Maryland lottery! Vicente’s Maryland team created a quick list of items to keep top of mind as you work towards your final license, including reviewing the new draft regulations, submitting supplemental applications, and property considerations.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 5, 2024
Are you looking to bring your cannabis brand to New York? The Office of Cannabis Management is now accepting applications for Adult-use Processor Type 3 Branding licenses. Read this article to learn more about this license type, applicant criteria, and how to apply.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Oct 31, 2024
The Cannabis NYC Loan Fund is offering loans of up to $100,000 for cannabis entrepreneurs. Applications for the first phase, which is available to Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licensees, will be accepted through November 4. Learn more about this program!
By Juliana Todeschi and Shawn Hauser
Oct 24, 2024
In late September, several hemp industry businesses and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable trade group filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Public Health to overturn the new California emergency regulations banning hemp-derived products containing any “detectable” amount of THC. Learn more about the emergency regulations and the lawsuit affecting the future of hemp-derived THC products in California.
Sep 4, 2024
Vicente’s Maryland cannabis lawyers are here to help entrepreneurs form their businesses, get licensed, and run compliant operations.
Aug 15, 2024
Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that 15 of its attorneys were once again recognized in the 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers® awards. Eight attorneys earned spots on The Best Lawyers in America® list, while seven were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
Aug 7, 2024
Join Vicente LLP at NECANN’s 5th Annual New Jersey Cannabis Convention on September 6 and 7! On day 1, Jennifer Cabrera will share insights on IP and licensing for cannabis brands. On day 2, Stephen Pemberton and Casey Leaver will offer compliance tips for successful cannabis business operations in New Jersey. Register for the event and contact us to schedule a meeting with a member of our team!
Jul 25, 2024
Attorneys and compliance experts from Vicente LLP's Maryland team discuss the requirements, compliance considerations, and best practices that will help make the process of finding compliant real estate for your cannabis business less daunting.
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!
Apr 29, 2024
On May 14, CREW Jacksonville is hosting an educational event where Sally will cover the current laws surrounding medical marijuana and real estate in Florida, the adult use initiative, and how to take advantage of upcoming opportunities to serve the state’s booming industry. Register now!
Apr 26, 2024
Vicente LLP partner Jennifer Cabrera will discuss the latest developments in New York cannabis law during the Cannabis Real Estate Summit in NYC on May 1! Register now!
Oct 20, 2023
Vicente LLP partner Jennifer Cabrera was recognized by Super Lawyers for her exceptional legal work in New York! Congratulations Jennifer!
Sep 14, 2023
New York's adult-use cannabis licensing is set to open in the fall, and members of Vicente LLP’s New York team and a special guest from Dutchie provide answers to the “who, what, where, when and how” questions on the minds of prospective Empire State cannabis licensees during this webinar replay.
Aug 17, 2023
Eighteen Vicente LLP attorneys were recognized in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The firm is proud to have several attorneys selected for inclusion in the prestigious lists for multiple years in a row, as well as a growing number of new additions to the lists each year.
Jul 11, 2023
Learn directly from the teams who were part of launching many of the first CAURD (Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary) licensed dispensaries in New York State. The Official Dispensary Showroom Tour is coming to Long Island, Syracuse, Mid-Hudson, Queens, and The Bronx throughout Summer and Fall 2023.
Jun 7, 2023
FL Gorman will speak on a panel at Lucky Leaf Expo's Maryland conference on July 22, 2023. The panel will focus on the challenges of securing commercial real estate for cannabis businesses in emerging markets and how to avoid wasting time and money.
May 16, 2023
Are you interested in getting into New York’s cannabis industry? If so, then you need to attend the Master Class: Adult Use Retail Dispensary Business Bootcamp featuring Vicente partner Brandon Kurtzman on June 3, 2023!
By Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi, Brandon Kurtzman, Charles Alovisetti
May 11, 2023
On May 11, 2023, New York’s Cannabis Control Board voted to approve the revised adult-use cannabis regulations. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has indicated adult-use cannabis applications will open up in the fall, meaning these revised regulations will function as our roadmap. This article outlines key changes in the revised regulations.
Apr 5, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
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?
Feb 2, 2023
New York’s first adult-use dispensary is open… so, what’s next? It’s public comment time! Sharpen your pencils and watch this recorded session for a discussion about New York’s proposed adult use regulations and common issues impacting current and future cannabis businesses
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
Nov 23, 2022
We're proud to announce that eight VS attorneys were included in Boston Magazine's 2022 'Top Lawyers' list! Congratulations to Brandon Kurtzman, Phil Silverman, Charles Alovisetti, David Ullian, Adam Fine, Jeremy Shaw, Meg Nash, and Michelle Bodian!
Nov 16, 2022
Congratulations go out to VS partner FL Gorman, who was awarded “Affiliate of the Year” by the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors Rochester Chapter!
Oct 19, 2022
Watch this recorded session for insight into the current market data and projected future of NY’s cannabis market.
Sep 14, 2022
Sahar Ayinehsazian will moderate a panel at the California Cannabis CRE Conference titled “Creating A Cannabis Centered Community” on September 20 in Los Angeles! You won’t want to miss this session.
Sep 13, 2022
Join Sally Kent Peebles on September 15 2022 at NAIOP's Quarterly Luncheon where she will be discussing the link between commercial real estate and medical cannabis.
Aug 25, 2022
Brandon Kurtzman was featured in Budsfeed’s ‘How it Started’ Interview Series to chat about his interest in cannabis law, highlights of his cannabis career and offers advice for those looking to enter the cannabis industry.
Aug 25, 2022
Watch these two sessions where our New York team dives into what you need to know to prepare for the upcoming New York CAURD licensing round.
Aug 19, 2022
VS is pleased to announce that 14 attorneys from national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP (VS) were recognized this week by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.
By Jennifer Cabrera, David Ullian
Jul 21, 2022
So, you decided to start a cannabis business in New York. With the release of more license categories on the horizon, it’s an exciting and hectic time. Read this for some important tips and things to keep in mind when looking for real estate.
Jul 5, 2022
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Jul 5, 2022
To beat the summer slump, VS’s New York team created an eight-part series of VS Insights to help you prepare for your New York cannabis business license application. Read the first article of the series, which focuses on helpful tips to put your best foot forward for the licensing process.
By Michelle Bodian, Brandon Kurtzman
Jun 23, 2022
Dormitory Authority State of NY released an RFP for developing social equity program cannabis dispensaries, showing some expected license requirements. Read this for highlights from the RFP.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Michelle Bodian, Casey Leaver
Jun 2, 2022
The NY Cannabis Control Board voted to approve draft regulations for Adult-Use Packaging and Labeling and Marketing and Advertising. Read our overview and take this opportunity to submit your public comments.
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.
May 10, 2022
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends in person May 18-20, 2022 at MJ Unpacked in New York City!
Apr 26, 2022
VS partner Adam Fine will discuss recent case law and provide a legislative primer on the siting of Massachusetts marijuana establishments at the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts 2022 Spring Conference on May 2.
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.
Apr 11, 2022
VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera will join the New Jersey State Bar Association for the 2022 NJICLE Real Estate Conference on April 13, 2022 in New Brunswick. She will present on the session "Cannabis and Real Estate" with attorney Jack Fersko.
Mar 28, 2022
Watch this session to learn more about the New York adult-use cannabis conditional cultivator license and how you can prepare.
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."
Feb 17, 2022
Watch this recorded live session from March 10, 2022. With a focus on issues related to Social Equity Operators and those new to the cannabis industry, panelists address real estate topics from the operator, investor, and legal perspectives.
Jan 25, 2022
VS partner Brandon Kurtzman recently sat down with Business of Cannabis to discuss the cannabis market that's on everyone's minds: New York.
By Michelle Bodian, Brandon Kurtzman
Jan 19, 2022
With the first round of Connecticut cannabis licensing applications opening early next month, we prepared a recap of the crucial information you need to know before clicking the submit button.
Jan 11, 2022
Watch this session for a look back at 2021 tri-state cannabis developments and a look forward to expectations for 2022.
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.
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.
By Michelle Bodian, Jennifer Cabrera, Brandon Kurtzman
Nov 10, 2021
Eight months after New Jersey’s Governor signed the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act into law, we now have an application timeline for adult-use cannabis licenses.
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.
Oct 20, 2021
VS attorneys Michelle and Brandon are slated to join the panel "Opportunities at the Intersection of Hemp and Marijuana" on Friday, November 5 at CWCB Expo in New York City.
Oct 19, 2021
Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
Oct 12, 2021
Watch this recorded session where members of VS’s real estate practice discuss cannabis real estate issues, including lease considerations, financing, and local jurisdiction laws that may affect your business.
Sep 14, 2021
Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Jul 1, 2021
The CLE, titled "Financing Cannabis-Related Real Estate: Structuring Options, Enforcement Issues, Regulatory Hurdles" will analyze legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate.
Jun 23, 2021
Join VS for a free webinar on June 29 that will cover the latest updates on cannabis legalization and implementation in CT, NJ, and NY
Jun 10, 2021
Update on hemp legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
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.
Jun 4, 2021
NJCI Live: Focus on Municipalities, held on June 8-19, 2021, will dive into municipal issues for cannabis in New Jersey, including zoning, buildings, licensing, and jobs.
Jun 4, 2021
VS counsel Heather Kumer will participate in the panel "What the Zone? Cannabis in NJ and the Transition to Adult Use" with New Jersey cannabis leaders on June 10, 2021.
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.
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.
Mar 22, 2021
VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera will participate in a panel on April 8, 2021.
Mar 15, 2021
VS attorney Elliot Choi will join Rick Kaplan of NYREJ on April 8 for a discussion on cannabis industry real estate investments in New York City.
By Ben Leonard and Brett Williams
Mar 9, 2021
This article published by the Colorado Bar Association addresses issues unique to cannabis-related business lease transactions and offers suggestions for structuring such leases to maintain regulatory compliance.
Mar 5, 2021
NJCI Live will offer a deep dive into the current landscape of cannabis in New Jersey and best business practices in all areas of the industry.
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.
By Charles Alovisetti, Sally Kent Peebles
Jan 15, 2021
As more law firms are fielding client questions about cannabis industry transactions, it can be challenging for corporate counsel to identify when they need cannabis regulatory counsel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Christina Sava
Sep 10, 2020
Attention cannabis business owners! Don't forget to do your due diligence before leasing a space for your operations.
Sep 3, 2020
Jennifer will present "Litigation is Coming! What Cannabis Businesses Need to Know Now" at NECANN Online on September 26, 2020.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 22, 2020
Watch this interview with Brandon Kurtzman on the CanopyBoulder Investor Hub for information on the state of legal cannabis in Massachusetts and where the opportunities lie for investors.
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.
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.
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.
Apr 17, 2020
A discussion on what's going on in the cannabis industry and, of course, real estate issues in the cannabis industry.
By Charles Alovisetti, Brandon Kurtzman
Apr 16, 2020
Since COVID-19 has limited patient ability to get in-person consultations and examinations with health care providers, how does one go about obtaining a medical marijuana patient certification?
Apr 16, 2020
Gov. Charlie Baker's ban on adult sales will remain in place, but the court's decision highlighted how it could legally be lifted and why it would help medical cannabis patients.
Apr 1, 2020
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has designated medical cannabis sales essential, but not adult sales, resulting in a total shutdown of the adult-use market. Vicente Sederberg is working with local business owners, organizations, and state officials to push for a responsible solution to the situation.
Mar 27, 2020
Watch the replay of this timely discussion on coronavirus (COVID-19) regulatory updates affecting the cannabis industry.