Archive

Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Announces Cultivation Licensing Application Lottery and Updated Regulations

By Yolanda Clarke
Sep 11, 2025

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission (MCC) has opened the first application window for cultivation licenses, which closes September 23, 2025, with licenses to be awarded by lottery. The Commission also approved updates to its Emergency Regulations, adding new requirements and compliance rules for applicants and future licensees. This article outlines what applicants need to know about the application process, compliance requirements, and next steps for Nebraska’s emerging medical cannabis market.

Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Launches Social Equity Certification Portal In Advance of Retail License Application Period

By David Ullian
Sep 11, 2025

Rhode Island’s Social Equity Applicant Status Certification Portal is open through Monday, September 29. Those interested in applying for a Social Equity Applicant Status Certification must submit an Interest Form by Wednesday, September 24. Read this article to learn how to submit a timely application!

[Webinar] Rhode Island Cannabis Retail Licensing: Real Estate & Zoning Considerations

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.

New Jersey Opens Cannabis Consumption Area Endorsements to All Class 5 Retailers

By Brandon Kurtzman, Lauren Mendelsohn
Jul 29, 2025

New Jersey has expanded access to its cannabis consumption lounge license, now allowing all Class 5 Retailers and permitted medical dispensaries to apply as of July 2, 2025. Previously limited to Equity and Diversely Owned Businesses, this broader eligibility opens new opportunities for cannabis operators across the state.

Cannabis in the Cornhusker State: What You Need to Know about Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Law and Licensing Opportunities

By David M. Ullian
Jul 21, 2025

Nebraska has officially joined the majority of U.S. states with a regulated medical cannabis program. Following the passage of two ballot measures in 2024, the state finalized emergency regulations in June 2025 and will begin issuing cannabis business licenses later this year. This article provides a high-level overview of the new legal framework, including licensing types, product restrictions, ownership requirements, and key dates. With applications opening soon, now is the time for prospective operators to prepare. Vicente LLP’s licensing team is here to help you navigate the process.

Utah Opens Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Applications: What You Need to Know

By Yolanda Clarke
Jul 1, 2025

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) announced that the application window for the first of two new independent medical cannabis pharmacy licenses is now open from July 1 to July 31, 2025. The application fee is $2,500, and licenses cannot be transferred for at least 15 years. Eligible applicants must be new operators with no financial ties to existing pharmacies and must locate in medically underserved areas. This blog covers key requirements, including zoning, security, operational plans, and deadlines to help applicants prepare for this rare licensing opportunity.

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.

Washington State Launches New Social Equity Cannabis Licensing Period

By Jerrico Perez
Jun 9, 2025

Washington State is beginning a new round of competitive cannabis licensing through the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. The application portal opens on June 2 and closes on July 1st. Now is the time to confirm you meet all eligibility criteria and prepare your application.

[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.

U.S. Virgin Islands Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Applications Open March 31

By Jerrico Perez, Samantha Fow
Mar 20, 2025

The U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) has confirmed that cannabis cultivation and micro-cultivation license applications will be released on March 31, 2025.

South Carolina Medical Cannabis and Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Legislative Update

By David M. Ullian
Mar 5, 2025

Cannabis-related legislation is once again on the move in South Carolina with the filing of a bill that would establish a regulated medical cannabis program and several bills that would officially regulate consumable products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids, including the increasingly popular beverages containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC.

[Webinar] Colorado Natural Medicine Licensing Update and Q&A

Feb 19, 2025

Watch this recorded session, where members of Vicente’s Psychedelics & Emerging Therapies team provide an overview of Colorado’s Natural Medicine program and answer attendee questions related to starting a natural medicine business, facilitator license requirements, manufacturing, healing centers, personal use provisions, property zoning, advertising restrictions and more.

Rhode Island Cannabis Update: Current Market, Proposed Rules and New Business Opportunities

By Meg Nash, Casey Leaver
Feb 18, 2025

Catch up on the current state of Rhode Island's cannabis market, regulatory enforcement trends, highlights from the proposed adult-use rules, and the anticipated cannabis business licensing opportunities on the horizon.

[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.

Minnesota Draft Cannabis Rules Provide Clarity on Licensed Cannabis Business Operations

By Jason Tarasek, Colleen Mitchell
Jan 23, 2025

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently proposed draft rules to clarify key operational requirements for cannabis businesses, including co-location policies, THC concentrate limits, cultivation canopy measurements, production capacities, and delivery regulations. Make your voices heard! The public comment submission period is open until Wednesday, February 12.

New Jersey Cannabis Dispensaries Can Now Apply for Consumption Lounge Licenses

By Jennifer Cabrera, Steve Pemberton
Jan 13, 2025

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) began accepting applications for cannabis consumption area endorsements on January 2, 2025. A consumption area endorsement allows existing New Jersey dispensaries (both medicinal and personal use) to offer their patrons a space to consume cannabis at the licensed premises—either in an “indoor” or “outdoor” cannabis consumption area. Learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Minnesota Cannabis Licensing Opportunities in 2025

By Jason Tarasek
Dec 20, 2024

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has announced a new timeline for cannabis licensing in 2025. Applications for all license types will be accepted between February and March next year. This article breaks down Minnesota’s cannabis business licensing process, social equity licensing opportunities, and upcoming deadlines that applicants should look out for.

U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Business License Opportunities

By Colleen Mitchell
Dec 9, 2024

The U.S. Virgin Islands is anticipated to open a highly competitive, merit-based licensing process in early 2025. From understanding residency requirements and application deadlines to preparing essential documents like business plans and financial statements, those interested in securing a cannabis license in the Virgin Islands should be fully prepared to successfully navigate the upcoming application process when applications open. Read this Insights post for more information on application requirements for cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, testing facilities, adult-use lounge permits, cannabis use and temporary use permits, on-site consumption permits, and micro-cultivation permits.

Florida Medical Cannabis Business Licensing Process: What Happens Next for MMTC Applicants?

Nov 22, 2024

It's been over a year since applications for Florida's latest Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licenses were submitted. What actions can be taken during this waiting period, and what should happen after the Intent to Award notices are issued? Vicente partner Sally Kent Peebles discusses the licensing timeline for Florida's medical cannabis program in this 15-minute on-demand presentation. She highlights key steps to take once awarded an MMTC license, important deadlines, and compliance best practices.

New York Accepting Cannabis Business Applications for Adult-Use Processor Type 3 Branding Licenses

By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 5, 2024

Are you looking to bring your cannabis brand to New York? The Office of Cannabis Management is now accepting applications for Adult-use Processor Type 3 Branding licenses. Read this article to learn more about this license type, applicant criteria, and how to apply.

Delaware Cannabis Business License Opportunities

By Jerrico Perez
Sep 6, 2024

If you’re interested in entering the upcoming Delaware adult-use cannabis market, time is running out to apply! Prospective adult-use cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, and testing facilities have until September 30,2024 to submit license applications.