By Yolanda Clarke, Colleen Mitchell
Apr 19, 2024
In an exciting week for the nascent Kentucky medical cannabis program, interested stakeholders were provided abundant new information to inform their business goals. Read this article for details on the new bill and regulations, and key licensing details—including medical cannabis business license caps.
Apr 12, 2024
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Apr 5, 2024
Watch this informative webinar with members of Vicente’s Maryland and Corporate teams and Cannabis Capital Advisors’ Christopher Stefan. Panelists will guide attendees with essential next steps to successfully navigate Maryland’s cannabis industry, including insights into the application review process, compliance requirements, and financing options for raising capital to build an operational cannabis business in Maryland.
By Meg Nash
Mar 12, 2024
The Maryland Cannabis Administration's first license lottery is on March 14th. This Insights post will help all applicants, regardless of the outcome, understand the next steps. Those selected will go through background checks and receive conditional licenses. Those who were not selected can retain their application for future rounds, potentially reserved for social equity applicants.
By Jason Tarasek, Yolanda Clarke
Mar 12, 2024
Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a bill to reshape the state's adult-use cannabis market, prioritizing social equity business applicants. The bill would grant social equity applicants a head start through temporary licenses allowing them to prepare for full licensure. This Insights post highlights social equity applicant criteria, limits on the total number of cannabis business licenses, and additional details to this recently introduced bill.
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.
Dec 19, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Oct 26, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Sep 11, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Sep 11, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
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.
Jul 7, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
May 17, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session where members of our New York team dive into the significant changes from the first draft of New York's cannabis regulations, how the new regulations will impact capital raises and M&A, and more!
Apr 13, 2023
Making psychedelic-assisted therapy and training opportunities accessible to historically and systematically oppressed populations is essential to creating a more equitable healthcare model. But how can this be achieved? Watch this webinar for a discussion on equity and psychedelics with professionals from Alchemy Community Therapy Center.
By Jason Adelstone
Mar 15, 2023
In its 2022 report, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) argues that legalizing the non-medical and non-scientific use of cannabis has failed to achieve the benefits to society that were intended through such legalization. In its attempt to deliver evidence of this failure, INCB instead provides ample evidence to the contrary—that legalization and regulation work. Read this insight for Vicente LLP’s response to the annual report of the INCB.
Mar 9, 2023
Watch this session to learn how cannabis regulations impact M&A transactions and financings in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
By Yolanda Clarke, Alex Solome
Jan 11, 2023
Illinois will hold another cannabis dispensary license round in early 2023 with a lower submission fee and a major focus on social equity requirements. Read this article to learn about the requirements and application deadlines. If you're interested in applying, VS's licensing team is ready to help you secure your future success.
Dec 23, 2022
On January 7, 2023, the VS team will provide legal services at a drug conviction record sealing clinic in Denver, Colorado.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Dec 19, 2022
The wait is finally over! Florida Department of Health Emergency Rule 64ER22-9 was released today, providing insight into the much-anticipated Florida Medical Marijuana Treatment Center licensing round.
Nov 7, 2022
Amendment 64 made history in 2012. Leaders of Vicente Sederberg and its consulting affiliate, VS Strategies, played key roles in drafting, passing, and implementing the historic ballot initiative.
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.
By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Oct 18, 2022
Helpful tips and best practices to position you and your business for a smooth New York cannabis license application process.
By Joshua Kappel and Tucker Wentz
Oct 11, 2022
Vicente Sederberg LLP is proud to stand with Natural Medicine Colorado and support Proposition 122. This measure not only provides safe access to natural psychedelic medicines, but does so in a way that is grounded in equity and conscious capitalism while also protecting legacy communities and existing medicine keepers.
By Jennifer Cabrera
Oct 5, 2022
VS counsel and National Hispanic Cannabis Council board member, Jennifer Cabrera, interviewed cannabis entrepreneur Ivelise Rivera in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Ivelise and her journey.
Sep 29, 2022
Interested in New York’s cannabis application process and available funding resources for your business? The next B.I.G. cannabis workshop is on October 4 and features VS’s Jennifer Cabrera.
Aug 15, 2022
Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver, Adam Fine and Steve Pemberton are scheduled to speak at New Jersey NECANN in September!
Jul 22, 2022
It's official! Coloradans will have the chance to vote on a historic ballot initiative this year to legalize possession of certain psychedelics, establish a therapeutic model for supervised psilocybin treatment and provide a pathway for record sealing for prior convictions.
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.
Jun 29, 2022
VS partner Shawn Hauser visited the Palace of Westminster in London on June 29th to speak with members of Parliament about the economic benefits and lessons learned from cannabis legalization in Colorado and other states.
Jun 13, 2022
NHCC will host an event to launch its Tri-State chapter at Mi Casa Creative on July 14, 2022 in NYC. RSVP here!
By Jamie Greenwood
Jun 6, 2022
The State of Colorado is convening a task force to collaborate on a report concerning intoxicating hemp products. Participate in the process by joining the task force, attending meetings, and submitting public comments!
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 Jason Adelstone
Apr 27, 2022
A recent paper by Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli argues that the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs already allows for the regulation of Non-Medical cannabis. This premise, unfortunately, is just incorrect.
Apr 19, 2022
The feature recounts the closely intertwined origins and growth of Vicente Sederberg and the legal cannabis market in Colorado and beyond.
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.
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 Jen Flanagan
Mar 9, 2022
Utilizing these tips can make a world of difference in your interaction with local and state governments.
Mar 4, 2022
VS counsel Shane Pennington is joining Dr. Sue Sisley and attorney Matt Zorn on Tuesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. CT for the SXSW session "Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-year NIDA Monopoly."
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 16, 2022
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, current business owner, or looking to start a new career in the cannabis industry, this webinar series will provide a comprehensive overview of the Connecticut adult-use cannabis licensing process, including how to qualify as a social equity applicant.
Feb 14, 2022
Join the Black Cannabis Equity Initiative on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 3 - 5 p.m. MT for a national social equity roundtable discussion on challenges, choices, and opportunities: "Women of Color in the Cannabis Industry."
Jan 19, 2022
Watch this live session on Thursday, January 27 at 12 p.m. MT to explore the latest in local and national psychedelics policy, with a focus on initiatives in Colorado and Denver.
Jan 5, 2022
Watch the NHCC's inaugural legal committee round table, featuring Jennifer Cabrera and Jerrico Perez discussing legal and policy topics related to Hispanics and the cannabis industry.
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.
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.
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 22, 2021
VS Founding Partner Brian Vicente will join Leonika Charging of tribal law firm Big Fire Law & Policy Group for the panel "Reisman Firm Spotlight: Advocating for Policy Change and Social Impact" at the Clio Cloud Conference on Friday, October 29.
Oct 19, 2021
Watch this recorded session for an update on recent changes in the Colorado market from members of our Colorado regulatory, corporate, and hemp teams and special guest Christopher Stefan of Cannabis Capital Advisors.
Oct 11, 2021
The spread of legalization means a growing practice area for law firms. Two VS Columbia Law alumni were interviewed in this article.
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.
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.
By Jonathan Cherkoss
Aug 30, 2021
Oregon voters passed two of the nation’s most sweeping drug policy reform measures in U.S. history in 2020, energizing grassroots organizers in Colorado and across the country. What's next for decriminalization and psychedelics reform in Colorado?
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.
By Barine Majewska
Aug 4, 2021
When we discuss inclusivity in the quickly emerging psychedelic industry, it is important to also acknowledge the inclusivity of different viewpoints about the administration of psychedelic medicine.
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 28, 2021
VS entheogens and emerging therapies attorney Barine Majewska, alongside other leaders in the psychedelic and drug policy space will explore political and policy avenues for ending the war on drugs in this upcoming forum.
By Shawn Hauser, Jace Pohlman
Jul 28, 2021
In this article, we lay out the CAOA’s key provisions governing hemp, related cannabis product regulation, and areas where legislators specifically seek industry feedback to inform the best policy approach.
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.
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 2, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti discussed cannabis policy and his book, The Cannabis Business, in this episode of In the Weeds with Jimmy Young podcast.
Jul 1, 2021
VS partner Jeffrey Welsh sat down with Salvador Santana from VAYA Flor at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles to discuss Santana's music, passion for cannabis and his journey to founding VAYA Flor.
Jun 30, 2021
Andrew Livingston, Mason Tvert, and Jordan Wellington join Betty Aldworth and Kris Krane on this MJToday Podcast to discuss the life and legacy of friend and activist Steve Fox. The podcast also features recorded messages from colleagues and fellow cannabis industry activists.
Jun 23, 2021
VS founding partner Christian Sederberg was recently interviewed by legal columnist Alison Frankel of Reuters about his background in cannabis law and thoughts for the future.
Jun 9, 2021
This week in federal court, VS counsel Shane Pennington will give oral arguments to get cannabis out of the Schedule 1 drug classification.
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
May 24, 2021
Read the memo VS delivered to the International Narcotics Control Board, which gives draft guidelines on control requirements for medical and scientific cannabis and discusses the implications and important issues for consideration.
By Dwight Clark, Shawn Hauser, Jerrico Perez
May 18, 2021
Championing medical cannabis legislation would likely help Republican lawmakers attract younger supporters, appeal to more unaffiliated voters, and remain competitive.
Apr 28, 2021
VS director of economics and research Andrew Livingston recently talked about U.S. drug policy and cannabis industry economics with the Canna Guys.
Apr 23, 2021
Shawn Hauser and Jerrico Perez are slated to moderate two can't-miss discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski on April 27 and 28 during Willie Nelson's first annual Luck Summit.
Apr 21, 2021
VS partner Sally Kent Peebles discusses her work in cannabis law and advocacy, including the founding of WISE Florida, on two episodes of the Canna Guys podcast.
By Brian Vicente
Apr 19, 2021
The cannabis industry is complex. Prospective cannabis business owners and other service providers interested in working with cannabis businesses are wise to take a step back and assess what it really takes to not only enter the cannabis industry, but to succeed in it.
Apr 15, 2021
Black Cannabis Equity Initiative and Minorities for Medial Marijuana will host a National Social Equity meeting on April 19, 2021
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 25, 2021
WISE Florida, a statewide education and advocacy initiative aimed at building support for legalizing and regulating cannabis for adult use, was launched on March 25, 2021.
By Shawn Hauser
Mar 23, 2021
While we move closer to federal legalization, the great state of Texas remains an untapped major market—ripe for reform, but hard to move. Read this for opportunities to help bring about more responsible cannabis policies in the Lone Star State.
Mar 19, 2021
VS partner Brian Vicente discusses cannabis policy reform and state and federal legalization in this episode of In the Weeds with Jimmy Young podcast.
Mar 16, 2021
VS Strategies partner Mason Tvert was recently interviewed by host Jay Shifman on the Choose Your Struggle podcast.
Mar 1, 2021
On March 6, 2021, Andrew Livingston will participate in the virtual event "Economics of a Regulated Cannabis Market," presented by the nonprofit cannabis advocacy organization Foundation for an Informed Texas.
Feb 26, 2021
VS's director of economics and research featured on Episode 346 - Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
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.
Dec 29, 2020
The article, titled "Nation's Top Cannabis Lawyer to Head Industry's Leading Trade Group," discusses Christian's path to cannabis law and delves into the Cannabis Trade Federation's main priorities.
Dec 22, 2020
VS is honored to receive the Black Cannabis Equity Initiative’s Beacon of Light Award for "leading the way” on social equity issues in Colorado’s cannabis industry.
By Shawn Hauser
Dec 1, 2020
This week marks a historic milestone in cannabis policy as both the United Nations and the U.S. House of Representatives consider modernizing prohibitionist cannabis laws.
Oct 30, 2020
Brian Vicente weighs in on the challenges and opportunities of helping those who’ve been unfairly targeted by the War on Drugs on episode 93 of the Brave New Weed podcast.
Oct 12, 2020
VS partner Sally Kent Peebles was elected co-chair of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee.
Oct 6, 2020
Join us for a virtual GOTV event featuring performances by rock n’ roll legends and conversation with special guests!
Sep 17, 2020
Blizzy Magazine, a new publication targeting the African American cannabis consumer, recently recognized VS attorneys Christian Sederberg and Jordan Wellington in the magazine’s inaugural list of “Top Social Equity Cannabis Power Players.”
By Michelle Bodian
Sep 10, 2020
Two opportunities to submit public comments to protect the American hemp industry throughout all stages of the supply chain.
Sep 2, 2020
Moderated by Brian Vicente, this fireside chat educates viewers on the Mississippi ballot initiative campaign to make medical marijuana available to patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions in Mississippi through their physicians.
Aug 12, 2020
Watch this interview to learn more about the measure to allow Oakland residents to use entheogenic substances in community-based treatments and VS's involvement in drafting the proposed ordinance.
By Andrew Livingston
Aug 12, 2020
This economic report, produced on behalf of the Marijuana Policy Project, examines the potential tax revenue associated with S.54, the Vermont bill to regulate and tax cannabis sales.
By Amber Lengacher, Kelsey Middleton
Aug 5, 2020
Participating in our democracy by submitting public comments is just one of the effective ways we can make a difference in regulatory policy and help contentious issues, like cannabis, gain legitimacy in the eyes of society.
Jul 29, 2020
The Color of Cannabis will host a free expungement clinic for Colorado cannabis convictions on August 22, 2020.
Jul 21, 2020
Learn about efforts being made by Agricultural Hemp Solutions and Vote Hemp to align federal legislation and USDA rulemaking with the domestic hemp industry.
Jun 11, 2020
The Color of Cannabis, in partnership with Minority Cannabis Business Association and Vicente Sederberg LLP, will host a free expungement clinic for Denver County cannabis convictions on June 20, 2020. RSVP by June 19!
By Michelle Bodian
Jun 10, 2020
As we reflect on hemp industry progress during Hemp Week, let's also take action to move this industry forward with the following vital initiatives...
Jun 1, 2020
The DEA accepted public comments on rules to enhance the cultivation of “marihuana” for research purposes in the US. View the comment from Vicente Sederberg LLP.
May 27, 2020
VS partner Josh Kappel chatted about entheogens on The Real Dirt with Chip Baker.
May 19, 2020
A coalition of U.S. hemp businesses and organizations announced the launch of Hemp for Our Future, a social responsibility campaign to support healthcare workers and community organizations on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.
May 15, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP and the Marijuana Policy Project provide an update on how COVID-19 has impacted 2020 cannabis reform efforts.
By Shawn Hauser
May 6, 2020
Hemp for Our Future is a network of hemp businesses that support the production and donation of hemp-based materials, products, and foods to medical professionals and community organizations.
By Amber Lengacher, Corey Cox, Shawn Hauser
Apr 30, 2020
Part 1 in a series on opportunities to shape cannabis policy. The DEA announced it will accept public comments on rules to enhance the cultivation of “marihuana” for research purposes in the US. Now's your chance to be heard!
Apr 20, 2020
Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark talked about SBA loans for cannabis businesses and political advocacy during Texas NORML's 420 Stream-A-Thon.
Apr 17, 2020
This virtual session, originally planned for SXSW 2020, features representatives from Vicente Sederberg, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Willie's Remedy discussing the future of the industry, its challenges, the environment, and more.
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?
Feb 26, 2020
VS attorney Courtney Barnes will volunteer at Denver’s Turn Over a New Leaf clinic on February 29, 2020, to clear and vacate low-level marijuana convictions for activities that are now legal in the city of Denver.
Jan 23, 2020
Former VS licensing specialist and current compliance manager at Coda Signature, Genevieve Meehan, joins Jordan and Andrew on the Weed Wonks podcast to talk about cannabis compliance, legislation, and activism.
By Yolanda Clarke, Associate Attorney; Rachael Cotner, Licensing Specialist Assistant
Sep 27, 2019
VS was proud to support National Expungement Week (N.E.W.) events in Denver and Massachusetts during the week of September 21-28, 2019.
May 22, 2019
Vicente Sederberg was proud to assist the initiative proponents in drafting a measure that can mitigate the harms being caused by current state laws that treat psilocybin possession as a felony offense.
Feb 28, 2019
Attorneys with Vicente Sederberg's Hemp and Cannabinoids Practice Group played a leading role in producing the American Hemp Campaign's model plan for state hemp programs, which will guide policymakers in the development of regulatory regimes governing hemp production across the U.S.