Archive

Fifteen Years of Impact: Vicente LLP’s Journey

By Vicente LLP
Jun 17, 2025

Over the past 15 years, Vicente LLP has evolved from a bold legal experiment into one of the most influential forces in cannabis and psychedelics reform. From leading the charge on Colorado’s historic Amendment 64 to shaping national psychedelics policy and supporting Tribal sovereignty, Vicente LLP has redefined what it means to be a mission-driven law firm.

Hemp Attorney Michelle Bodian to Discuss Legal Strategies for Hemp-infused Beverage Businesses at NECANN Boston

Feb 28, 2025

Join Vicente partner Michelle Bodian during NECANN Boston, where she will present the session “Sip and Sell Smart: Legal Strategies for the Hemp Beverage Boom” on March 21. During this session, Michelle will discuss the latest developments in hemp beverage regulations in the Northeast and provide tips for businesses to remain compliant in the evolving industry. Register now!

[Webinar] Hemp Business Funding 101

Feb 27, 2025

Watch this recorded session to learn about financing strategies for hemp-related businesses, including types of funding, investment compliance, and other industry-specific financial considerations.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Corporate Attorney Jeremy Shaw Recognized as a New Leader in Law by Law360’s New England Legal Awards 2024

Oct 7, 2024

Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that partner Jeremy Shaw has been honored as a winner in the prestigious "New Leaders in Law" category at the 2024 New England Legal Awards hosted by Law360. This achievement highlights the outstanding contributions and successes of legal professionals from Massachusetts and across the East Coast. Congratulations, Jeremy, on this well-deserved recognition!

Vicente LLP Cannabis Attorneys Are Headed to the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago

Sep 9, 2024

Join Vicente LLP at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on October 8 and 9! Partners Charles Alovisetti and Sahar Ayinehsazian will discuss cannabis financing and how rescheduling cannabis affects the credit risk profile of cannabis companies during panels on October 8. Plus, partners Travis Copenhaver and Jeremy Shaw will also be in attendance. Contact us to schedule a meeting during the conference!

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.

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.

Corporate Transparency Act Compliance: What You Need to Know

By Jeremy Shaw, Sahar Ayinehsazian
Feb 13, 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective January 1, 2024, requires many businesses to disclose ownership information. This Insights blog explains who needs to comply, what details to report, and key deadlines. Failing to comply can lead to fines or even imprisonment. Get help understanding exemptions and navigating the CTA's new reporting requirements to ensure your business stays compliant.

New Cannabis Regulations in Massachusetts Are Now in Effect: What You Need to Know

By David Ullian
Oct 31, 2023

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s amended regulations make substantial changes to the current regulatory framework related to HCAs, Social Equity businesses, municipal equity, and agent suitability. These changes reveal a clear intent to make real progress towards achieving the goals of creating new opportunities and a level playing field for Social Equity businesses, and continuing to build a successful, equitable cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Read this article for an overview of the key provisions in the amended regulations.

[Vicente LLP Event] Minnesota Hemp & Cannabis Seminar

Sep 18, 2023

Join the Vicente LLP team in Minneapolis for another can’t-miss hemp and cannabis legal and business seminar on October 19, 2023. The event will feature Vicente LLP hemp and cannabis business attorneys Michelle Bodian, Travis Copenhaver, Jeremy Shaw and Jason Tarasek, along with special guests Sen. Lindsey Port and cannabis accountant Angela L’Esperance of Ms. Jane Accounting.

Forming Psychedelic Companies: 10 Lessons from the Cannabis Industry

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.

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.

The ESG Threat by Shareholders and Proxy Challenges

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.

[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.

ABA Global Business of Cannabis Conference is Coming to Denver

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?"

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.

[Webinar] Impact and ESG in the Cannabis Industry

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.

Guide to Closing Cannabis Transactions Between Private Companies

By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Ben Leonard, Jeremy Shaw
Aug 6, 2020

Conducting a closing is one of the more stressful tasks for junior and even senior attorneys. When a deal is ready to close, most of the principals and businesspeople are finished with their work, but lawyers are not out of the woods yet.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card via Telemedicine

By Charles Alovisetti, Brandon Kurtzman
Apr 16, 2020

Since COVID-19 has limited patient ability to get in-person consultations and examinations with health care providers, how does one go about obtaining a medical marijuana patient certification?

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.