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.
Mar 15, 2024
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is hosting a Stakeholder Summit in Colorado on April 4, and Vicente LLP is a Silver Sponsor. The event brings together key figures in the cannabis industry, including policymakers and regulators, to discuss and drive positive change within the cannabis industry. Vicente LLP will have a strong presence at the summit, with several members of our team attending, including the firm’s founding partner, Brian Vicente. Register now!
By Genevieve Meehan
Jan 11, 2024
The Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (“MED”) implemented new rules that became effective on January 8th, 2024. Read on to learn more about these important regulatory changes and how they may impact your marijuana business.
Nov 10, 2023
Federal and international law and policy insights, news and events from Vicente LLP.
By Jason Adelstone
Nov 6, 2023
While the cannabis industry in the United States awaits a marijuana scheduling decision from the DEA, many countries around the world continue to move forward with liberalizing their cannabis policies as a superior method of promoting the health and welfare of their citizens. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at five countries poised to make waves in the cannabis landscape in 2024, including Germany, Thailand, Colombia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Oct 26, 2023
This recorded session features members of Vicente LLP’s Federal and International Law and Policy practice group and London cannabis attorney Robert Jappie of Fieldfisher sharing insights into what’s happening with cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids across the pond and opportunities for US operators and investors.
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.
By Genevieve Meehan
Jul 24, 2023
The 2023 rulemaking process will run through the fall and address a wide range of topics, including marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and testing standards; fee increases; regulatory efficiency; implementation of legislation enacted earlier this year; intoxicating hemp; and hospitality.
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.
May 11, 2023
With ketamine being the only approved psychedelic drug for medical use, ketamine clinics offer a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the expanding market of innovative mental health therapies. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing demand for ketamine clinics and the unique regulatory considerations involved in transactions involving these businesses.
By Genevieve Meehan and Sara Simons
May 3, 2023
Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), made its way through the Colorado Legislature and now awaits the governor's signature. Although the bill started off with a couple of policy positions that were antithetical to the voter-initiated act, after a series of amendments and a lot of work by Colorado activists and lawyers, it seems clear SB23-290 builds off the intent of the NMHA to create a natural psychedelic ecosystem in Colorado based in equity and safety. Read this Vicente Insights post for key aspects of the bill.
Apr 19, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session for insights on current CRA enforcement trends and best practices for running a compliant cannabis business in Michigan.
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 22, 2023
A new industry is emerging in the United States, and entrepreneurs in the psychedelics space must make critical decisions at the onset of new ventures regarding how to set up and structure their new businesses. Luckily, we have access to another industry with a complex legal framework and a patchwork of different state laws: cannabis. And after forming hundreds of cannabis companies with clients over the past decade, Vicente LLP has lessons to be shared.
Dec 20, 2022
Marc Ross recently spoke on the Sustainable Minds: Exploring ESG and Corporate Brand podcast about the importance of ESG management at cannabis companies, his experience in the cannabis industry and more!
Nov 9, 2022
Watch this recorded session to learn about California's latest cannabis rule changes and how to comply.
Oct 14, 2022
Marc Ross will be representing VS on a panel at the Business of Cannabis: New York Summit on November 3!
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.
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!
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 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.
Jun 1, 2022
In VS's inaugural Impact Report, we reflect on our work over the past year, celebrate our commitment to community, and look forward to a future of positive, meaningful, and measurable impact.
By Charlie Alovisetti, Genevieve Meehan, Josh Kappel
May 27, 2022
Do commercial opportunities for entrepreneurs exist in psychedelics? We explore the current limited legal pathways and potential opportunities via proposed legislation and ballot initiatives in this article.
May 23, 2022
Brian Vicente and Genevieve Meehan will join cannabis branding and compliance panels on Thursday, June 9.
By Genevieve Meehan
May 4, 2022
Following the resolution of a year-long lawsuit, OMMA is moving forward with implementing a statewide track-and-trace system to monitor all medical marijuana and medical marijuana products being grown, processed, transported, tested, and sold in the State of Oklahoma.
Apr 25, 2022
Shawn Hauser, Kim Napoli, Marc Ross and Christian Sederberg will speak on cannabis policy, ESG, and social equity during the virtual Cannalaw Summit on May 3 & 4, 2022.
Apr 21, 2022
Sen. Schumer and Antonio Valdez of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council co-authored a guest column for Univision about how Latinos can benefit from the cannabis economy.
Apr 15, 2022
Kim Napoli was recognized by her peers during the 2022 NECANN Conference Community Awards
Apr 11, 2022
VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry.
Apr 8, 2022
Don't miss the panel next week at the Cannabis Packaging Conference (CannPack) in Anaheim, California.
Feb 22, 2022
VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry. In honor of Black History Month, we're kicking off the series with Black leaders in cannabis.
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.
By Marc Ross
Feb 8, 2022
The cannabis industry has a golden opportunity to lead in creating integrated Corporate Social Responsibility programs that are also net positive.
Jan 25, 2022
Vicente Sederberg LLP Impact & ESG practice leaders recently joined the "How to Launch an Industry" podcast to discuss ESG in the cannabis industry. Listen here!
By Genevieve Meehan, Emily Hackman, Andrea Golan, Amanda Kilroe
Jan 14, 2022
Our team compiled a list of five resolutions to ensure your California cannabis business is focused on operational compliance for years to come.
Dec 27, 2021
Watch this session to learn accounting best practices for cannabis businesses and how to prepare for year-end. With a focus on social equity operators, this session will advise on risk and opportunity related to the financial side of cannabis operations, as well as how to navigate the complexities of 280E.
Nov 19, 2021
VS attorneys Charlie Alovisetti, Sahar Ayinehsazian, and Marc Ross are slated to present at the event in San Francisco, December 16-17, 2021. Be our guest! Use discount code SBrody100 for a complimentary pass to the forum and expo.
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 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.
By Cassia Furman, Andrea Golan, Genevieve Meehan
Oct 7, 2021
DCC filed emergency rules for cannabis operators. Read this VS Insight for the need-to-know changes and information on submitting a public comment.
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.
Sep 20, 2021
Kim Napoli was nominated by her peers for two awards at this years' NECANN Conference Community Awards and ultimately voted the Champion of Corporate Responsibility!
Sep 16, 2021
Find Kim Napoli on the Education Village Stage at 3 p.m. Joining Kim are Blake Mensing, Robert Jeffrey, Dick Evans and Jason Ortiz.
By Marc Ross
Sep 14, 2021
Operators in the nascent cannabis industry have a lot to worry about on a daily basis, but compliance with state and federal environmental laws hasn’t been an issue of concern for most. That needs to change immediately.
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.
Aug 20, 2021
VS attorney Michelle Bodian discusses the hemp industry's environmental challenges and opportunities in this on-demand CLE from the INCBA
Aug 6, 2021
VS partner Jeffrey Welsh recently sat down with Corvain Cooper, chief brand ambassador of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons, at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.
Jul 27, 2021
VS partner Jeffrey Welsh sat down with Loriel and Anthony Alegrete of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.
By Jace Pohlman, Law Clerk
Jul 23, 2021
As part of National Hemp Month, we're highlighting beneficial ways to use hemp and hemp products in our daily lives. This post will focus on using hemp in paper and plastic materials.
Jul 22, 2021
VS's Jason Adelstone, Catie Wightman and Genevieve Meehan will participate in a free expungement clinic to be held on July 31, 2021 in Denver.
Jul 6, 2021
Marc Ross spoke with Heather Allman of Cannabis Law Report about what ESG is and why it's important for the cannabis industry.
Jul 2, 2021
Denver marijuana licensees are now required to submit Social Impact Plans as part of license renewals and applications. Watch this session to learn about the new requirements.
By Marc A. Ross
Jun 30, 2021
The growth of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measurement, benchmarking and reporting has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. When will the cannabis industry start to do it?
Jun 15, 2021
Watch this recorded session to meet the new VS Impact & ESG team, learn more about this emerging business priority, and how to start planning and measuring your ESG practice – including Corporate Social Responsibility programs, meaningful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, environmental sustainability, and community and employee engagement.
By Charles Alovisetti
Jan 25, 2021
Like anything in the cannabis industry, getting a debt deal done requires navigating unique regulatory challenges. Here are seven regulatory considerations that cannabis borrowers and lenders should keep in mind when pursuing a debt transaction.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Sahar Ayinehsazian
Sep 18, 2020
Raising private capital continues to be a challenge for the nascent cannabis industry, but there are proactive steps companies can take to maximize the chance of a successful raise.
By Genevieve Meehan, Christina Sava
Aug 28, 2020
Helpful resources for California cannabis businesses regarding wildfires, power outages, and remote agency audits due to COVID-19.
Jul 1, 2020
Learn best practices for California cannabis packaging and labeling, common mistakes to avoid, tips for new product launches, and much more from members of VS's licensing and compliance teams.