Archive

Minnesota Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Product Registration Now Open Through August 31, 2025

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.

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[Webinar] Cannabis Licensing in the U.S. Virgin Islands

May 30, 2025

In this session, Vicente LLP and The Walker Legal Group explore what you need to know about the U.S. Virgin Islands' upcoming cannabis licensing round. Our cannabis policy and licensing experts will break down the newly adopted regulations, including ownership and residency requirements, license caps by island, and the approach to scoring criteria for each license type.

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How HB25-1209 Streamlines Colorado Cannabis Laws

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 Spearheaded by state lawmakers and supported by industry advocates, the bill streamlines outdated requirements related to background checks, recordkeeping, surveillance, and more—aiming to improve operational efficiency while maintaining public safety.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.

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Nebraska Hemp Enforcement Update: Delta-9 THC Crackdown Targets Retailers

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.

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Corporate Transparency Act, We Hardly Knew Ye: What the Interim Final Rule Means for U.S. Businesses

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.

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Florida Implements New Hemp Extract Regulations: Key Changes for 2025

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.

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The Regulators Are Watching: How New York Cannabis Licensees Should Prepare for Stricter Compliance Enforcement

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.

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[Webinar] Rhode Island Cannabis Update: Draft Rules, Enforcement Trends and Licensing Opportunities

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.

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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.

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Top 5 Considerations for Maryland Cannabis Licensees

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.

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Raising Capital for Maryland Social Equity Cannabis Businesses

By Charles Alovisetti, Elena Markos
Sep 27, 2024

Maryland recently awarded cannabis business licenses to social equity applicants. If you were one of the lucky lottery winners, now it’s time to focus on raising money for your business. Read this insight for essential considerations around raising capital for Maryland social equity cannabis licensees.

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New Colorado Cannabis Testing Requirements Are Now Effective

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.

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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.

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Kentucky Medical Cannabis Licensing Update: New Bill and Regulations

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.

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[Webinar] From Maryland Lottery to Cannabis Business License: Priorities, Strategies & Solutions

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.

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Maryland Cannabis Licensing Update: Priority Actions After Lottery Selection

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.

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Minnesota’s Proposed Cannabis Legislation Would Provide Early-Mover Licensing Opportunities for Social Equity Business 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.

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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.

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Washington, D.C. Medical Cannabis Program Update: Open Application Periods for Retail Licenses and Increased Enforcement Against Unlicensed Operators

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.

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Oklahoma Cannabis Operators Should Be Alert of Increased Enforcement and Heightened License Application Scrutiny from OMMA

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.

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Revisiting SOPs in Massachusetts Cannabis: A Cautionary Tale

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).

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Raising Private Capital in the Cannabis Industry

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

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What is a Cannabis REIT?

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.

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Exploring Alternatives to Bankruptcy for Cannabis Businesses

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.

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Blue Sky Laws and 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.

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Can Hemp Companies Declare Bankruptcy?

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.

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