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.
Feb 6, 2025
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP
By Jennifer Cabrera, Steve Pemberton
Jan 13, 2025
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) began accepting applications for cannabis consumption area endorsements on January 2, 2025. A consumption area endorsement allows existing New Jersey dispensaries (both medicinal and personal use) to offer their patrons a space to consume cannabis at the licensed premises—either in an “indoor” or “outdoor” cannabis consumption area. Learn more about this exciting opportunity!
By Jeffrey Welsh
Nov 19, 2024
In an industry that runs on innovation and differentiation, a cannabis brand’s identity is among its most valuable—and most prone to copying—assets.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver, Stephen Pemberton
Oct 17, 2024
Compliance is becoming more important than ever as the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission recently began actively pursuing enforcement actions against license cannabis businesses, resulting in the issuance of thousands of dollars of fines for noncompliance.
Sep 25, 2024
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP
By Sarah Grande, Andrea Golan, Shawn Hauser
Sep 23, 2024
New Jersey is the latest state to regulate “intoxicating hemp products,” with an immediate ban on the sale of products with any detectable amount of THC to individuals under 21 years of age and only allows such products to be sold in state-licensed cannabis businesses. The new law will permit liquor stores licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to sell intoxicating hemp beverages once those regulations are adopted.
By Daniel Molina, Jason Adelstone
Sep 12, 2024
In August 2024, nine Texas vape shops were shut down after allegedly selling products over the legal THC limit set by state and federal law. Various interpretations of the 2018 Farm Bill and whether cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and THCA qualify as hemp have left a gray area in the legality of hemp-based products. This Insights post explores the THC thresholds of the products seized during the Texas raid and the DEA’s unclear position on synthetic THC and the definition of hemp.
By Jason Adelstone
Sep 9, 2024
The DEA Hearing on Proposed Rulemaking for cannabis rescheduling will take place on December 2, 2024. What happens next? Read this insights article to learn about the importance of "interested persons" and the administrative law judge appointed to oversee the hearing, the anticipated timeline, the potential impact of the presidential election, and more.
By Chelsie Spencer
Sep 3, 2024
A strong trademark is crucial for cannabis businesses to stand out and thrive. This Insights post explores the importance of trademark protection and breaks down the different categories of trademark distinctiveness, from generic to fanciful. By understanding these categories, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions to safeguard and protect their brand identity.
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!
By Shawn Hauser
Aug 1, 2024
Last Monday marked the end of the historic DEA public comment period for marijuana’s proposed rescheduling to Schedule III. What happens now and how might election dynamics have an impact?
Jun 13, 2024
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP
Jun 3, 2024
Vicente LLP partner Jennifer Cabrera will discuss strategies for shifting the illicit market to a regulated, legal framework during the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey event on Monday, June 17 in New Brunswick, NJ. Register now!
By Jason Adelstone
May 21, 2024
The DEA published its proposed rule to move marijuana from schedule I to schedule III on May 21, and the 60-day public comment period has officially opened. The DEA also published an opinion from the Office of Legal counsel that provides a thorough analysis supporting why placing marijuana in schedule III is appropriate and legally justified. Read this insight for a high-level overview of the proposed rule and the OLC Opinion.
By Michelle Bodian
May 17, 2024
This was a big week for hemp (as well as marijuana)! The proposed rules to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) were released and will be officially published in the federal register on May 21, 2024. Some of the language is relevant to hemp and hemp products. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives released draft text for the 2023 Farm Bill. Read this insight for key takeaways.
May 16, 2024
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
May 3, 2024
Watch this special briefing featuring Vicente LLP leaders who have been deeply immersed in the federal scheduling issue, along with Mitzi Keating, a CPA and partner at Citrin Cooperman.
Apr 4, 2024
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Mar 28, 2024
Watch this pre-recorded session to learn about the future of intellectual property for cannabis and hemp products with rescheduling on the horizon. This webinar will feature a discussion with VLLP IP specialists regarding patent, IP and trademark protection, cannabis research, and what may change with potential federal marijuana rescheduling.
Feb 20, 2024
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP
By Jason Adelstone
Jan 30, 2024
On August 29, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) sent the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) its recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). Since then, the marijuana industry has waited in suspense for the DEA to make the final call as to what schedule marijuana will be placed. Read this Insights post that outlines the complex process of marijuana rescheduling in the US and outlines the key steps involved, from rule publication to review and final rule, emphasizing the critical role of stakeholder engagement in securing a Schedule III classification.
Jan 23, 2024
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Dec 5, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Nov 10, 2023
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP.
Nov 1, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Sep 28, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
By Shawn Hauser
Aug 31, 2023
The federal government formally acknowledged the medical use and low potential of abuse for cannabis, with the US Department of Health and Human Services recommending that cannabis be rescheduled to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While placement in Schedule III still criminalizes commercial cannabis activity at the federal level, it is a significant step on the path to ending prohibition. This rescheduling would eliminate the application of 280E tax penalties, reduce the level of criminal liability for cannabis-related activity, reduce barriers to research, legitimize the industry through gaining credibility and engagement by physicians and the medical community, and support a growing industry for the American economy.
Aug 11, 2023
Vicente attorneys Jennifer Cabrera and Steve Pemberton are slated to speak about cannabis hospitality and entering New Jersey’s cannabis market during NECANN’s New Jersey Cannabis Conference from September 8-9, 2023 in Atlantic City. Read this post for more information.
Jul 21, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
May 10, 2023
Vicente LLP shines the spotlight on newly elevated partner Jeremy Shaw
Apr 26, 2023
Vicente LLP shines the spotlight on newly elevated partner Jennifer Cabrera
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 Shane Pennington
Apr 4, 2023
Cannabis researchers can study the dispensary strains and products people are actually using around the country right now... without violating federal law… and without Congress lifting a finger. Read this article for two simple tricks to do so.
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.
Mar 9, 2023
Watch this session to learn how cannabis regulations impact M&A transactions and financings in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
Mar 6, 2023
Watch NHCC's "Current State of Cannabis in New Jersey" webinar on March 7 featuring Vicente partner Jennifer Cabrera and other cannabis industry professionals.
By Shane Pennington
Mar 1, 2023
How TGA's rescheduling of psilocybin and MDMA shines a bright light on DEA delinquency
Feb 22, 2023
It's official: Vicente Sederberg LLP is now Vicente LLP. Take a look at our new logo and get to know the firm's largest-ever new partner class!
By Stephen Pemberton, Jennifer Cabrera
Jan 25, 2023
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission recently published proposed regulations governing the operation of cannabis consumption areas and opened up the public comment period. Read our summary to get the low-down.
Jan 19, 2023
Join Shane Pennington on February 1 for a Cannabis Business Times webinar discussing the opportunities and challenges surrounding the federally legal cannabis seeds market.
By Shane Pennington
Nov 9, 2022
What outcomes are possible from the impending administrative process to reconsider cannabis’s schedule I status? What are the implications of those various possible outcomes? And how should we all proceed in light of it all?
By Shane Pennington
Oct 21, 2022
To appreciate the gravity of the President’s scheduling directive and what could happen next, you need to understand (1) how the administrative process the President has set in motion will actually work and (2) how the agencies in charge have used it to affirm and reaffirm cannabis’s schedule I1 status repeatedly throughout the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970’s (“CSA”) history. Those topics are covered in this article.
By Shane Pennington
Oct 21, 2022
President Biden’s scheduling directive is enormously important. In fact, if permitted to run its course, it could revolutionize federal drug control law to a far greater degree than any of the many pending cannabis legalization bills.
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.
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.
Aug 12, 2022
Jennifer Cabrera will discuss Challenges, Choice, and Opportunity in the Metropolitan Cannabis Industry with New York and New Jersey cannabis social equity advocates, black businesses, thought experts, elected officials and concerned citizens on August 16, 2022.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Kate Monroe, Bridgette Nikisher, Steve Pemberton
Aug 2, 2022
New Jersey's CRC released proposed cannabis regulations that implement the CREAM Act and include rules for wholesalers, distributors, and delivery services, and include a new restriction on license ownership among family members. Read this article for highlights and reach out to our NJ team for a copy of the full summary.
By Kim Napoli, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 2, 2022
New York's Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Licenses are reserved for "Justice-Involved" individuals disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. What does "Justice-Involved" mean, and how does one take advantage of the benefits associated with that classification?
Jul 28, 2022
Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
By Erik Pelton
Jul 27, 2022
Looking to start a cannabis business in New York? When creating your business brand name and logo, don't forget to protect it with a trademark.
By Jennifer Cabrera
Jul 22, 2022
Jennifer Cabrera recently attended the NHCC's Tri-state Chapter kickoff. The event brought together people from all facets of the cannabis industry with a common purpose: to create an industry that looks as diverse as our communities.
Jul 21, 2022
Congratulations to the VS attorneys selected to the 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists in Massachusetts and New York!
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.
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 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.
Apr 4, 2022
Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
Mar 16, 2022
VS attorney Jennifer Cabrera will join the Black Cannabis Equity Initiative's next virtual roundtable on March 22 to discuss cannabis in New Jersey.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Jen Flanagan
Jan 29, 2022
This LexisNexis practice note offers a greater understanding of the varied processes that impact the legalization of cannabis at the state level and discusses how evolving state statutes and regulatory structures impact the adult-use cannabis industry.
Jan 11, 2022
Watch this session for a look back at 2021 tri-state cannabis developments and a look forward to expectations for 2022.
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.
By Shane Pennington
Oct 18, 2021
An introduction to the different registrations available for schedule I substances such as psilocybin and psilocin.
Oct 5, 2021
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, October 19-22!
Sep 8, 2021
Black Cannabis Equity Initiative will host a special social equity community round table discussion with NJ and national cannabis leaders, including VS's Brian Vicente and Jennifer Cabrera, on September 10.
Aug 26, 2021
Watch this session for a dive into key elements of the regulations and an engaging discussion with special guests from the NJ CannaBusiness Association, the NJ League of Municipalities, and the US Cannabis Council.
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!
By Jennifer Cabrera, Heather Kumer, Michelle Bodian, Steve Pemberton, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 24, 2021
Read this summary to find out what is included, what was left out, and what is noteworthy in New Jersey's recently released cannabis rules.
Aug 5, 2021
VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera provided an update on the cannabis industry in New Jersey at the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants Conference.
Jul 29, 2021
John Bailey of BCEI will host a community event in Princeton, New Jersey featuring local officials, community development experts, and cannabis industry leaders in August 2021.
Jul 6, 2021
VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera will join NJSBA for the CLE "Interstate Commerce of Cannabis: The Impact and Aftermath of Siloed Markets"
Jun 24, 2021
Local leaders in New Jersey learned about municipal cannabis policy, land use, and zoning from VS in a recent working session.
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 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 5, 2021
Watch as we explore the stark differences and key similarities between east coast and west coast cannabis licensing.
Apr 7, 2021
Launched March 25, 2021, the NHCC aims to empower the U.S. Hispanic community through education, entrepreneurialism, and economic opportunity. Brian Vicente, Jennifer Cabrera, and Fatima Thibou will sit on the Board of Directors.
Mar 29, 2021
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring local, state, and federal responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how they may impact cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers.
By Charles Alovisetti, Jennifer Cabrera
Mar 25, 2021
Using New Jersey as an example, here are eight important considerations companies should make when expanding into new cannabis markets.
Mar 22, 2021
VS counsel Jennifer Cabrera will participate in a panel on April 8, 2021.
Mar 11, 2021
Jennifer Cabrera will join leaders from Armanino LLP, Mammoth Distribution, and Reed Smith LLP for a cannabis interstate trade trends and insights fireside chat on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 12 p.m. PT.
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.
Feb 16, 2021
Black Cannabis Equity Initiative will host a community conversation about Black history and cannabis social equity in the Garden State on Feb 19, 2021.
Feb 4, 2021
A look into cannabis legalization, markets, and opportunities in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
Jan 22, 2021
An overview of the timelines and opportunities for economic empowerment and small businesses in New Jersey and New York.
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 Jennifer Cabrera
Dec 22, 2020
With its plan to regulate and tax adult-use cannabis sales underway, the Garden State is easily positioned to be the East Coast’s cannabis leader in sales and regulatory practices that support and promote small, locally-owned businesses and equitable ownership.
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.
Nov 19, 2020
Watch this session for an informed look at the opportunities and other realities of operating in the cannabis industry post-election.
By Jennifer Cabrera
Oct 27, 2020
This November 3, in addition to presidential and congressional elections that will have a major impact, five states have ballot measures that will legalize marijuana in some form. New Jersey is one of those states.
Sep 23, 2020
Watch this virtual discussion on cannabis trademarks and intellectual property with Sahar Ayinehsazian, Erik Pelton and Jeffrey Welsh.
Sep 3, 2020
Jennifer will present "Litigation is Coming! What Cannabis Businesses Need to Know Now" at NECANN Online on September 26, 2020.
Aug 21, 2020
VS attorney Jennifer Cabrera will discuss how legalization will affect NJ municipalities in this event from NJ Cannabis Insider.
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.
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.
By Elliot Choi, Jacob Setton
Apr 13, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in New Jersey.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Counsel; Michelle Bodian, Senior Associate
Feb 6, 2020
A summary of New Jersey's USDA-approved hemp regulations and licensing program.
Dec 11, 2019
What brand protection options are available for businesses in the cannabis, hemp, CBD or related industries? Watch this presentation to better understand the tactics your business can implement to increase protection for brand names, logos, and slogans.
Nov 4, 2019
VS Counsel Jennifer Cabrera will lead a New Jersey cannabis workshop at Union County College on November 7, 2019.
Sep 10, 2019
VS attorney Jennifer Cabrera will present at the first annual New Jersey Cannabis Convention.
Aug 15, 2019
VS Counsel Jennifer Cabrera will lead a workshop at Union County College where attendees will learn how cannabis works, how patients can acquire it in New Jersey, and the benefits, side effects and risks associated with medical marijuana use.
By Charles Alovisetti, Partner; Jennifer Cabrera, Counsel; and Sahar Ayinehsazian, Associate Attorney
Aug 2, 2019
Here's a look into New Jersey Assembly Bill 20, which, once implemented, will greatly expand patients’ access to medical cannabis.
Jun 20, 2019
Jennifer Cabrera will lead a cannabis workshop at Union County College in Cranford, NJ on June 27, 2019.