Dec 5, 2025
Vicente LLP partner Jason Tarasek will speak at Green Check’s Year-End Legal Update on cannabis banking on December 17, 2025. He will join industry experts to explain what the newly signed H.R. 5371 means for banks, credit unions, and the legal cannabis and hemp markets into 2026.
Nov 7, 2025
The 2025 NORML Key West Legal Seminar, taking place on December 4-6, will feature Vicente LLP founding partner Brian Vicente as a speaker in the session, “Hot Topics and Best Practices in Business Law: Cannabis, Hemp, and Psychedelics” where he will discuss emerging legal and regulatory trends shaping these industries. Register now!
Oct 28, 2025
Vicente LLP Partner Jason Tarasek will present a Minnesota Cannabis Market Update at United Prairie Bank’s Cultivating a Successful Cannabis Business Forum on October 28 in Mankato. The event will cover cultivation, licensing, and banking for Minnesota’s growing cannabis industry. Register now!
Oct 16, 2025
Vicente LLP will join a panel of legal and banking experts for the upcoming webinar CLE program titled Banking Issues in the Cannabis Industry: Managing Risks Under State and Federal Law; Recent Developments on November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET
By Charles Alovisetti, Jack Crain
Oct 9, 2025
Raising capital or selling a business often involves intermediaries like broker-dealers and finders, but not all might be properly registered. This FAQ breaks down the legal distinctions, SEC and FINRA rules, M&A broker exemptions, and the risks of working with unlicensed intermediaries.
Sep 29, 2025
Vicente partner Jason Tarasek will lead a breakout session at the 2025 Real Estate Institute October 24, 2025 in St. Paul, highlighting the top cannabis law updates impacting real estate attorneys and professionals. Register now!
 Graphic (1).png)
By Shawn Hauser, Juliana Todeschi and Angela George
Sep 26, 2025
Maryland’s Appellate Court has ruled that consumable hemp products are fully subject to the state’s Cannabis Reform Act (CRA), overturning a 2023 injunction that had allowed some unlicensed hemp sales. This decision means that all hemp retailers must now obtain state cannabis licenses and comply with strict limits on THC content, packaging, labeling, and testing. Read on to learn more.
Sep 18, 2025
Vicente LLP is proud to announce that 15 members of our cannabis and psychedelics practices have been recognized in the 2025 Top 200 global industry directories! We’re grateful for the acknowledgement of our team’s dedication and expertise in these industries.
By Charles Alovisetti
Sep 12, 2025
The Second Circuit’s Variscite ruling is reshaping how courts view cannabis residency requirements and intrastate licensing systems. By striking down New York’s program as unconstitutional, the court signaled that protectionist rules are increasingly vulnerable. This article breaks down the Variscite ruling, how other courts are addressing Dormant Commerce Clause challenges, and what this means for social equity programs, sourcing requirements, and the future of interstate cannabis markets.
Sep 8, 2025
In this live session, Vicente LLP attorneys will offer practical guidance on navigating Rhode Island’s real estate, land use and zoning, and local approval requirements every prospective cannabis retailer should understand before applying. Whether you are preparing to apply, seeking to expand into Rhode Island’s market, or advising stakeholders on cannabis development projects, this session will provide practical guidance to position your retail business for success.
Aug 28, 2025
Vicente LLP partner Shawn Hauser contributed her insights to the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025, where she discussed the disconnect between U.S. federal and state cannabis policy. Her perspective on banking reform and international regulatory alignment is reflected in the White Paper’s actionable recommendations for advancing global cannabis markets. Download the whitepaper now.
Aug 27, 2025
Vicente LLP director of regulatory compliance Genevieve Meehan is slated to speak on the Regulations & Compliance panel at the National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium in Denver on September 21, 2025. Register now!
By Colleen Mitchell
Jul 15, 2025
If you’re planning to open a licensed natural medicine healing center, cultivation facility, or manufacturing business in Colorado, the first step is securing a compliant property. This process can be complex, involving both state and local zoning requirements, setback rules, and proper site control documentation. In this blog, we break down the key property considerations for Colorado natural medicine businesses, including how to navigate zoning approvals, understand state and local setback requirements, and secure the necessary site control documents to move your business forward.
By Meg Nash
Jun 16, 2025
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has opened a new registration window for businesses selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs), including THC beverages. Businesses must register by August 31, 2025, to remain eligible for fall licensing and summer sales. Starting October 1, OCM will accept applications for Lower Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) licenses for retailers, manufacturers, and the newly established wholesaler category. This blog outlines the state’s updated rules on potency, packaging, facility standards, onsite consumption, events, and delivery services.
By Genevieve Meehan, Samantha Fow
May 22, 2025
On May 16, the Colorado legislature passed HB25-1209, a bill designed to reduce regulatory burdens on licensed cannabis businesses. Spearheaded by state lawmakers and supported by industry advocates, the bill streamlines outdated requirements related to background checks, recordkeeping, surveillance, and more—aiming to improve operational efficiency while maintaining public safety. In this Insights post, we’ll cover the key changes introduced by HB25-1209, how they affect cannabis operators and regulators, and what businesses should know moving forward.
.png)
By Steve Pemberton
Apr 15, 2025
Nebraska’s Attorney General has issued cease-and-desist letters to over 100 hemp retailers, citing illegal Delta-9 THC levels. The crackdown highlights the state’s aggressive stance on synthetic THC and mirrors growing national pressure on hemp businesses. Find out how these enforcement actions could impact the industry and what steps businesses can take to stay compliant.
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 27, 2025
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has undergone significant changes with the issuance of a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These changes significantly reduced the law's scope, exempting most U.S. companies from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. In this Insights post, we break down the key takeaways of the IFR and explain their impact on your business.
By Juliana Todeschi
Mar 24, 2025
Florida’s Rule 5K-4.034 establishes new regulations for hemp extract products, focusing on ingredient restrictions and child-resistant packaging. The rule bans 66 additives, including certain FDA-approved colorants, and adopts ASTM standards for child-resistant packaging to reduce product appeal to minors. While enforcement of the rule begins in June 2025, FDACS is already enforcing existing statutes and regulations, making early compliance essential for businesses operating in the state.
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.
Feb 6, 2025
Watch this session, where Vicente attorney Meg Nash and director of compliance Casey Leaver take a look back at Rhode Island's cannabis market in 2024 and a look ahead at what’s to come in 2025, including what has happened during the transitional period, recent regulatory enforcement actions against current medical and hybrid operators, the proposed regulations that will govern the adult-use market, and how to prepare for the upcoming licensing process.
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.
Dec 6, 2024
On December 12, Vicente partner Charles Alovisetti will discuss cannabis financing and investing during a CLE session hosted by the Federal Bar Association and myLawCLE. Register now!
Nov 13, 2024
On October 8, Vicente partner Charles Alovisetti discussed debt, equity and liquidity strategies and considerations for cannabis startups seeking funding for their business during the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago. Listen now!
Nov 13, 2024
Vicente partner Sahar Ayinehsazian recently discussed cannabis rescheduling and its potential effect on lending, interest rates and financing during the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Listen now!
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 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.
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.
By Genevieve Meehan
Jul 5, 2024
Heads up, Colorado cannabis businesses! The Marijuana Enforcement Division's (MED) Reduced Testing Allowance (RTA) program allows qualified businesses to reduce testing frequency. Additionally, Senate Bill 24-76 brings new requirements that stores should be ready to implement by August 6. Read this Insights post to learn how recent regulation changes impact your operations.
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.
By Andrea Golan, Genevieve Meehan
Apr 1, 2024
For years, the efficacy of cannabis lab test results has been widely discussed across the California cannabis industry due to inflated potency test results and inconsistencies in results due to labs using different methodologies for testing cannabis. This has changed with the implementation of lab testing standardization.
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.
.png)
Nov 2, 2023
Watch as panelists address the current lab testing and compliance issues in the industry, testing standards across the country, and the importance of reliable testing.
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.
By Andrea Golan
Aug 23, 2023
Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis law makes some significant changes to the state's existing rules governing the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Read this article for information on some of the most notable changes, including seller registration requirements, prohibited products, and cannabinoid serving limits.
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.
By Genevieve Meehan, Emily Hackman
Jul 26, 2023
As cannabis markets mature, regulatory agencies typically increase compliance enforcement through inspections and audits. It has become increasingly clear that The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has shifted toward increased and escalated enforcement and heightened license application scrutiny. Learn more about this shift and review the updated OMMA inspection forms by reading this Insights article.
.jpg)
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.
Jun 28, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session, where cannabis training and compliance experts from Vicente, Cannabis Trainers and Rootwurks will discuss the gold standards for cannabis employee training and the most common (and costly) compliance pitfalls they’ve seen across the industry.
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).
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.
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
By Marc Ross
Oct 11, 2022
Colorado Prop 122, The Natural Medicine Health Act, requires that licensed entities participating in the Natural Medicine Regulated Access Program must meet specific ESG criteria.
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
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
.jpg)
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!
.jpg)
Sep 21, 2022
Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) in the law firm setting is critical. Register for the Legal ESG Summit to hear VS’s Head of Impact and ESG Marc Ross moderate a panel on “Building a law firm ESG Culture“ on October 4!
Sep 15, 2022
Watch this VS session to learn more about OSHA rules and how they apply to cannabis operations.
By Marc Ross
Sep 7, 2022
Socially responsible investors and activist board members have been throwing their ESG weight around during the last few proxy seasons at annual shareholder meetings. They demand action on climate change, diverse boards and senior leadership, restrict campaign donations, divestment in specific industries, and request measurement, benchmarking, and reporting of comprehensive ESG impacts.
By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 24, 2022
We anticipate New York's adult-use cannabis rules will be one of the country's strictest in terms of environmental and energy standards and best practices for water and energy conservation. Regardless of what license type you're interested in pursuing or have already obtained, you'll need to add "environmental considerations" to your mental to-do list.
By Andrea Golan
Aug 22, 2022
California OEHHA adopted new regulations which include new non-mandatory Proposition 65 warning language for products that can expose consumers to cannabis smoke or delta-9-THC.
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
By Marc Ross
Jun 7, 2022
New York's draft cannabis packaging regulations sustainability requirements are definitely a step forward for the industry, but will it be enough? Read this article to learn more about the requirements and gain insight into options for operators.
May 4, 2022
Given the special legal status of the cannabis sativa plant, handling waste throughout the cultivation, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution process is complex and unlike any other industry. Attend this webinar to learn best practices and more!
By Michelle Bodian, Jace Pohlman
May 2, 2022
Your cannabis business just received an EHS audit. Here are some post-audit tips to help you achieve compliance now and in the future.
By Marc Ross
Apr 22, 2022
In a guest column for Cannabis Business Times, VS's head of Impact and ESG, Marc Ross, discusses the legal risks associated with greenwashing and the steps cannabis companies can take to avoid them.
By Michelle Bodian, Jace Pohlman
Apr 14, 2022
Although the best preparation for a regulatory audit is yearly preparation, here are some tips for audit day.
By Michelle Bodian, Jace Pohlman
Apr 7, 2022
Although the best preparation for a regulatory audit is yearly preparation, there are some ways a cannabis business can prepare right before the audit.
Feb 4, 2022
Watch this session to help prepare your facility and team for environmental, health and safety compliance inspections.
Nov 9, 2021
The American Bar Association's International Law Section will host its first annual Global Business of Cannabis Conference in Denver, Colorado from November 10-12, 2021. Marc Ross is slated to join the panel "The Environmental Impact of Cannabis Cultivation: Does Legalization Make a Difference?"
Nov 9, 2021
What exactly is the business case for a company going down the ESG path? Marc Ross will join a stellar group of panelists to discuss this and other topics at the Cannabis Sustainability Symposium on November 18, 2021.
Oct 26, 2021
Watch this session to hear lessons learned from recent cannabis EHS cases and how to avoid environmental enforcement actions
Oct 14, 2021
VS counsel and head of impact & ESG, Marc Ross, is slated to speak at the Legal ESG Summit on Tuesday, October 26 at 2:45 p.m. CT.
Sep 22, 2021
Watch this session to learn the basics of environmental laws, regulations that apply to the cannabis industry, and how your cannabis business can mitigate risk against costly enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.
Aug 18, 2021
VS director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, joined The Green Rush Live to discuss the Federal CAO Act and more.
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).
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.
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.
Sep 3, 2020
Sahar will present "Curbing Cannabis Cash" at DRI's Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar on September 17, 2020.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
By Andrea A. Golan and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 22, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aug 28, 2019
WeedWeek hosts Alex Halperin and Donnell Alexander recently invited VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian to discuss cannabis banking on their weekly podcast.