Archive

Native American Tribal Sovereignty and the Cannabis Industry

By David M. Ullian
Jun 2, 2025

As cannabis legalization spreads, Native American Tribes are asserting their sovereign rights to shape their own paths in the industry. This blog post explores how Tribal sovereignty provides a legal foundation for participation in cannabis, examines the challenges and opportunities Tribes face, and highlights the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ groundbreaking success in launching a vertically integrated cannabis operation in North Carolina, despite statewide prohibition.

Read More

South Carolina Medical Cannabis and Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Legislative Update

By David M. Ullian
Mar 5, 2025

Cannabis-related legislation is once again on the move in South Carolina with the filing of a bill that would establish a regulated medical cannabis program and several bills that would officially regulate consumable products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids, including the increasingly popular beverages containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC.

Read More

New Cannabis Testing Requirements in Massachusetts: What We Know Right Now

By David Ullian, Casey Leaver
Jan 16, 2025

Massachusetts' Cannabis Control Commission has introduced new testing requirements, effective April 1, 2025, to prevent "lab shopping." Key changes include mandatory submission of Test Sample Packages to a single Independent Testing Laboratory, stricter rules for subcontracting tests, and penalties for non-compliance. Read on to learn more about these changes and how to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and avoid regulatory violations.

Read More

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Releases Draft Social Consumption Establishment Regulations for Informal Public Comment

By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Dec 19, 2024

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission released draft regulations for social consumption establishments this week and will hold an informal public comment period through January 23, 2025. Three license types are proposed, including one for current licensed cannabis businesses, one for new or existing non-cannabis businesses, and one for event organizers. Read this article for a breakdown of each license type and what comes next.

Read More

Boston Magazine’s 2024 List of Top Lawyers Includes 10 Vicente LLP Attorneys

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!

Read More

Amendments to Massachusetts Cannabis Regulations Will Benefit Licensed Cannabis Businesses and Patients

By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Nov 6, 2024

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission approved adult-use and medical-use cannabis regulations to support microbusinesses, home delivery licensees, product transportation, and medical patients, with a proposed effective date of November 22, 2024. The key provisions of the amendments include the removal of requirements for inventory tracking, changes to Microbusiness and Craft Marijuana Cooperative license types, expanded operations for home delivery businesses, and increased medical cannabis patient access. Read on to learn how these proposed amendments may impact cannabis operations in Massachusetts.

Read More

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Proposes Draft Amended Regulations: Public Comment Period Now Open

By David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Sep 19, 2024

Proposed amendments to Massachusetts’ cannabis regulations would significantly impact microbusinesses, home delivery licensees, product transportation, and medical patients. Public comments are being accepted through October 7—now is the time to make your voices heard! Read this article for a summary of the key provisions in the draft amended regulations.

Read More

More Green in the Green Mountain State: Cannabis Statutory Changes and New Cultivator Licensing Opportunity in Vermont

By David Ullian, Antonella Velaoras
Jul 18, 2024

Last month, H.612 - An Act Relating to Miscellaneous Cannabis Amendments became law, making a variety of changes to Vermont’s cannabis laws that will have significant implications for the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis industry - particularly for licensed retailers, cultivators, medical patients, and social equity businesses. Read this Insights article to learn about key changes, a new cultivator licensing opportunity, and the impact on the state’s cannabis industry.

Read More

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Reviewing Host Community Agreements for Compliance With New Regulations

By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Jun 5, 2024

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is now issuing formal Requests for Information and Notices of Deficiency to license applicants, licensees, and host communities, and is requesting the submission of a compliant HCA or HCA Waiver. This process could cause delays in the initial application, license renewal, and final licensure processes. Learn more about the HCA reviews and how to request a license renewal extension in this Vicente Insights article.

Read More

Model Host Community Agreement Released by Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission: What You Need to Know

By David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Mar 7, 2024

This Insights post provides an overview of recent changes impacting Massachusetts cannabis businesses. We break down the new Model Host Community Agreement (HCA), explaining its purpose, usage, and accessibility. Additionally, we explore the updated application and renewal processes, highlighting the mandatory inclusion of compliant HCAs or waivers. This blog serves as a valuable resource for both new and existing cannabis businesses seeking to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Massachusetts.

Read More

Washington, D.C. Medical Cannabis Program Update: Open Application Periods for Retail Licenses and Increased Enforcement Against Unlicensed Operators

By David M. Ullian
Feb 26, 2024

Washington, D.C. will soon be accepting applications for new medical cannabis retail licenses. The application process is divided into two periods, with Social Equity Applicants getting priority and an earlier application window. This blog details the two available license types, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Additionally, it outlines new enforcement actions against unlicensed I-71 cannabis “gifting” businesses.

Read More

The Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund: What You Need to Know

By David M. Ullian
Feb 13, 2024

Massachusetts launched the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to aid qualified cannabis businesses disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition. Licensed businesses or applicants meeting specific criteria, like Social Equity Program participants, can access grants or loans (up to $50,000 now!). Apply online and learn more about future programs before the February 15th deadline.

Read More

South Carolina Cannabis Update: Legislative Developments for Medical Cannabis and Hemp Products

By David M. Ullian
Feb 6, 2024

The South Carolina General Assembly is revisiting medical cannabis legalization in 2024 with the SCCCA. This revised bill would allow qualified patients with doctor recommendations to purchase limited amounts of infused and extracted cannabis products from licensed pharmacies. Additionally, South Carolina may soon regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 through a separate bill requiring licensing, testing, and age restrictions. This Insights post explores both initiatives and their potential impact on the state's future cannabis landscape.

Read More

North Carolina Consideration of Cannabis Reform to Continue: Medical Cannabis & Hemp-Derived Products

By David M. Ullian
Feb 6, 2024

The North Carolina Legislature is expected to revisit medical cannabis access through the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act (NCCCA) once the legislative session begins in 2024. Public support is strong, and the bill would allow patients with debilitating conditions to purchase cannabis from licensed centers. Additionally, the state may soon regulate hemp-derived and kratom products, requiring licenses and testing for production and retail sales. Read this Insights post for more information on North Carolina’s Compassionate Care Act.

Read More

Cannabis and Hemp Developments in North Carolina

By David M. Ullian, Gabriel Amatruda
Oct 5, 2023

Public support for medical cannabis in North Carolina is quite strong and despite being one of only a few states that have legalized medical or adult use, cannabis is finally making headway in the Tar Heel State. Read this article to learn about recent cannabis and hemp developments in NC, including legislation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ vote to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Read More

[Webinar] Washington, DC Cannabis Business Licensing Update

Aug 24, 2023

Washington, DC's Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 overhauls the existing medical cannabis program, significantly expands access for registered patients, and creates a variety of new business opportunities for operators. Watch this session to learn about DC’s new medical cannabis statute and new license opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Read More

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Proposes Draft Amended Regulations: What You Need to Know

By David M. Ullian and Jennifer L. Flanagan
Aug 9, 2023

A new law is making significant changes to the cannabis industry in Massachusetts, particularly with respect to Host Community Agreements and municipal equity. Read this article for a high-level summary of the key provisions of the draft, amended regulations related to HCAs, municipal equity, social consumption, and suitability standards for marijuana establishment agents.

Read More

The Evolution of the Cannabis Industry in Massachusetts

By David Ullian, Jennifer Flanagan
Nov 2, 2022

This Bloomberg Law article by David Ullian and Jen Flanagan explores the evolution of the Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry and how lawmakers, regulators, and industry advocates contributed to key recent legislative and regulatory developments.

Read More

[Webinar] Massachusetts Cannabis Regulatory Update

Aug 19, 2022

Massachusetts Legislature recently voted to pass marijuana reform legislation that will impact the cannabis industry in significant ways, particularly with respect to social equity. Watch this for an overview of the new law and insights into how it might impact your business.

Read More

5 Years of Legal Cannabis in Massachusetts

By David M. Ullian, Gabriel Amatruda
Nov 8, 2021

Five years in, the Commonwealth has seen the most significant growth in both the number of cannabis businesses and sales, and the market continues to expand and provide new opportunities.

Read More

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.

Read More