On the Horizon for Hemp: Pending State Regulatory Revisions and Open Comment Periods

By Casey Leaver
May 13, 2024

In the wake of changing laws and mandates for state agencies to regulate certain components of hemp licensing and production, there are a few states on the move with rules and regulations available for review or anticipated shortly. Read this insight about Kentucky’s new emergency rules, Rhode Island’s proposed definition of “consumable,” locality control over smokable hemp sales in Virginia, and more.

Vicente LLP is Headed to Florida for the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Apr 2, 2024

Join us at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on April 16-17 in Hollywood, Florida! You can find us on stage discussing cannabis banking and business diversification and connect with our attorneys and our director of compliance during the conference.

Join Vicente LLP in Maryland for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Stakeholder Summit

Mar 15, 2024

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is hosting a Stakeholder Summit in Maryland on April 2, and Vicente LLP is a Silver Sponsor. Register now!

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!

Casey Leaver and Steve Pemberton Slated to Discuss Company Compliance Culture at Cannabis Quality Conference in New Jersey

Sep 21, 2023

Join Casey Leaver and Stephen Pemberton at the Cannabis Quality Conference on October 18! Casey and Steve will discuss creating a culture of compliance to help your cannabis operation thrive.

[Webinar] Connecticut Cannabis Compliance Essentials for Operators

Aug 17, 2023

So, you received your provisional Connecticut cannabis license or just renewed your final license. Now what? It’s time to get on the path to success as an operational and compliant cannabis operator.

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.

Revisiting SOPs in Massachusetts Cannabis: A Cautionary Tale

By Casey Leaver
Apr 10, 2023

The Massachusetts cannabis employee data breach made public last month by the Cannabis Control Commission, combined with recent announcements about the Commission’s “secret shopper” program and an increase in unannounced inspections at licensed facilities, presents a trifecta of reminders for marijuana establishments to revisit their standard operating policies and procedures (SOPs).

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.

Casey Leaver Offers Cannabis Operator Compliance Insights on The Cannabis Business Minds Show

Apr 5, 2023

The Cannabis Business Minds Show recently featured Jen Flanagan in a four-part podcast series. Episode one focuses on compliance tips for cannabis operators from Casey Leaver. Listen now!

[Webinar] How to Run a Compliant Cannabis Dispensary in New Jersey

Mar 22, 2023

So, you received your New Jersey cannabis business license. Now what? It’s time to get on the path to success as an operational and compliant cannabis dispensary. Watch this session from Vicente LLP for a regulatory update and compliance tips to help you thrive in this highly complex regulatory environment.

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?

[Webinar] FDA Punts CBD Regulation: What Does that Mean for Hemp Businesses?

Feb 9, 2023

The FDA decided not to regulate CBD, denied three citizen petitions requesting CBD rulemaking or other FDA action, and announced it is now up to Congress to step in. Watch this webinar and learn what this means for your hemp-derived cannabinoids business.

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

VS to Provide Compliance Support at New York’s First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Experience

Dec 5, 2022

Let’s connect! Vicente Sederberg’s New York compliance team will be onsite at the Bronx Dispensary Showroom hosted by The Bronx Community Foundation from Dec. 9 – 11, 2022 to lend expertise and education to potential cannabis entrepreneurs.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Now Allows Pesticide Use on Marijuana Plants

By Michelle Bodian, Casey Leaver
Dec 2, 2022

In an important policy change affecting Massachusetts marijuana operators, MDAR now allows the use of pesticides on marijuana plants, provided conditions are met.

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

VS Team Joining Cannabis Quality Conference to Discuss Cannabis Compliance Culture and New Jersey Cannabis Regulations

Sep 28, 2022

Casey Leaver will provide helpful tips for New Jersey cannabis businesses on a panel titled, “Compliance is Key: Best Practices for Your New Jersey Cannabis Business” at the Cannabis Quality Conference on October 18.

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!

[Webinar] OSHA Compliance in the Cannabis Industry

Sep 15, 2022

Watch this VS session to learn more about OSHA rules and how they apply to cannabis operations.

[Webinar] New York CAURD Cannabis Business Licensing Boot Camp

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.

VS Thought Leaders to Speak at 2022 New Jersey Cannabis Convention

Aug 15, 2022

Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver, Adam Fine and Steve Pemberton are scheduled to speak at New Jersey NECANN in September!

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

What Will Adult-Use Cannabis Products Look Like In New York? Draft Regulations Approved for Packaging, Labeling, Marketing and Advertising

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.

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.

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."

[Webinar] Achieving Compliance: Cannabis Facility EHS Compliance Audits

Feb 4, 2022

Watch this session to help prepare your facility and team for environmental, health and safety compliance inspections.

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.

VS Team Slated to Speak on Three Panels at NECANN Boston's 6th Annual New England Cannabis Convention

Sep 2, 2021

Don't miss these ESG, hemp, and compliance-focused panels with the Vicente Sederberg team at NECANN Boston cannabis conference on September 10-11, 2021.

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).

[Webinar] Preparing Your Massachusetts Cannabis Business for Inspections

May 6, 2021

Learn best practices for onsite cannabis business compliance by watching this Massachusetts-focused session.

Casey Leaver Discusses Cannabis Compliance on The Green Rush Live Talk Show

Apr 26, 2021

VS's director of regulatory compliance discusses Massachusetts cannabis business compliance on a recent episode of Pro Cannabis Media's Green Rush Live talk show.

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.

[Webinar] Common Massachusetts Cannabis Compliance Pitfalls

Apr 22, 2021

Watch to learn about the common roadblocks found on the path to cannabis business compliance.

VS Kicks Off Spring 2021 With 12 Attorney and Staff Promotions

Apr 2, 2021

VS is proud to announce that 12 members of the Vicente Sederberg LLP team have been promoted to elevated roles within the firm! Notably, 11 of the 12 promoted are women.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

[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.

See You in Boston for CannaVest and NCIA's Northeast Cannabis Business Conference!

Feb 13, 2020

Don't miss the sessions featuring Brian Vicente, Charles Alovisetti, Ilya Ross, Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver and Meg Nash. Also, be sure to meet up with VS during the event and at our pre-conference networking party!

[Webinar] How to Avoid Costly Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Compliance Mistakes

Jan 22, 2020

Learn cannabis packaging and labeling best practices for Massachusetts marijuana dispensaries during this webinar on February 12, 2020.

[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.

New Massachusetts Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Regulations

By David Ullian, Senior Associate Attorney; Meg Nash, Associate Attorney; Casey Leaver, Compliance Manager
Nov 1, 2019

With the release of the new marijuana regulations in Massachusetts, our attorneys created a list of some of the important amended licensing and operational topics, effective Friday, November 1, 2019.

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.