Apr 26, 2024
On May 2, Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek will provide a 2024 cannabis law update for those attending the “2024 Solo and Small Firm Summit”, hosted by Minnesota Women Lawyers.
Apr 17, 2024
Jason Tarasek, counsel at Vicente LLP, will participate in a "Cannabis Update" panel at the 2024 Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association’s Annual Conference on April 21. Register now!
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, Bridgette Nikisher
Apr 4, 2024
The Maryland Cannabis Administration published proposed Emergency Regulations with significant changes, including requirements for proof of capitalization and new limitations on Management Agreements concerning branding and capping annual fees. Read this Insights article for the top things to know about the new regulations.
Apr 4, 2024
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Apr 3, 2024
On Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m., Lucky Leaf Expo participants will have the chance to listen to Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek share his insights on how to set up a cannabis business in Minnesota’s newly formed adult-use recreational cannabis market. Register now!
Mar 15, 2024
The Minnesota Festival and Events Association (MNFEA) is holding its annual conference March 20-22 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The conference offers educational sessions on current and future challenges in the event industry. One session, "The Legalization of Cannabis & Events," features cannabis lawyer Jason Tarasek. Register now!
Mar 15, 2024
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is hosting a Stakeholder Summit in Maryland on April 2, and Vicente LLP is a Silver Sponsor. Register now!
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 Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Feb 7, 2024
Maryland's Cannabis Business Assistance Loan/Grant Fund is offering grants to help social equity applicants cover costs associated with obtaining a cannabis business license. The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $5,000. Applications open February 19th and close March 20th. Read this Insights post to learn more about eligibility, qualifying expenses, and how to apply.
By Jason Tarasek
Feb 2, 2024
Minnesota dispensaries could be a reality by summer! The OCM unveiled an ambitious plan to speed up the launch, proposing temporary regulations and licensing reforms. Focusing on social equity, product availability, and education, they are streamlining the process by removing initial premise requirements, local government involvement, and even suggesting a new social equity classification. Read this Insights post for the latest update on Minnesota’s cannabis business regulations.
By Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Jan 31, 2024
A recent lawsuit filed against the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) threatens to delay the highly anticipated cannabis business license lottery. The lawsuit alleges that the MCA's social equity licensing program unfairly favors Maryland residents, potentially violating the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This blog post explains the specifics of the lawsuit, its potential impact on the licensing process, and the broader legal questions surrounding residency requirements in cannabis licensing.
Jan 23, 2024
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Jan 3, 2024
Jason Tarasek will take the stage at the 2024 Annual Appellate Practice Institute on February 23 for a panelist discussion covering Minnesota cannabis regulatory framework issues on appeals, as well as the impact on criminal law and expungements.
By Andrea Golan
Dec 19, 2023
In our second blog in a series of Vicente Insights discussing hemp regulation under the new Minnesota Cannabis Law, we break down Minnesota’s regulation of “synthetic cannabinoids” including how they are defined, when they can be used, and whether the rules for synthetic cannabinoids differ for cannabis and hemp.
Dec 5, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
By Andrea Golan
Nov 16, 2023
In this first post in a series of Vicente Insights discussing hemp regulation under the new Minnesota cannabis law, we will dive into the licenses and endorsements required to cultivate, process, manufacture, transport, and sell hemp ingredients and hemp products.
By Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 6, 2023
Maryland’s first adult-use licensing round is almost here! Do you have what you need? We’ve prepared a list to help guide you toward submission.The 30-day application period opens next week on November 13, 2023, at midnight ET and closes on December 12, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.
By Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 1, 2023
The clock is ticking—Maryland’s Social Equity Verification Portal will close on Tuesday, November 7. Have you completed your verification application? We recommend doing so as soon as possible to ensure that the Office of Social Equity has time to review your application and certify your social equity status.
Nov 1, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
By Meg Nash
Oct 24, 2023
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) recently released new information about the upcoming licensing round, including application instructions, an evaluation worksheet, and application templates. MCA also published an FAQ page. Read on for a summary of key information.
By Jason Tarasek
Oct 23, 2023
The Minnesota legislature has established three grant programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses and to create a more equitable cannabis industry. Read more about them in this Insights article.
Sep 29, 2023
Join Jason Tarasek, Michelle Bodian and Yolanda Clarke during Minnesota CLE’s webcast series on October 10 and October 17 for insights and updates on Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp industry.
Sep 28, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy cannabis news and events from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland
Sep 22, 2023
Vicente LLP is hosting a can’t-miss event for those interested in entering the Maryland adult-use cannabis market! Please join us in Baltimore on October 16 for an evening of education and networking with industry leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs.
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.
By Meg Nash
Sep 8, 2023
The Maryland Cannabis Administration and its Office of Social Equity released information related to the upcoming social equity cannabis business licensing round, including timelines for application release, submission deadline and the number of licenses available per region and county.
By Yolanda Clarke, Meg Nash
Sep 1, 2023
The Maryland Cannabis Administration and its Office of Social Equity took another step toward the first round of adult-use social equity licensing in the state with the announcement that their social equity verification portal will go live on September 8. This first round of adult-use licensing will be for standard or micro grower, processor, and dispensary license types. Only social equity applicants are eligible to take part in this first round and to qualify, you must first be officially verified as a social equity applicant.
Aug 24, 2023
Washington, DC's Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 overhauls the existing medical cannabis program, significantly expands access for registered patients, and creates a variety of new business opportunities for operators. Watch this session to learn about DC’s new medical cannabis statute and new license opportunities for entrepreneurs.
By Andrea Golan
Aug 23, 2023
Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis law makes some significant changes to the state's existing rules governing the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Read this article for information on some of the most notable changes, including seller registration requirements, prohibited products, and cannabinoid serving limits.
Aug 1, 2023
Vicente attorney Jason Tarasek was recently selected to the 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list for his work in cannabis law. Congratulations, Jason!
Aug 1, 2023
Join Vicente LLP attorneys Meg Nash and Yolanda Clarke in Annapolis during the Maryland Municipal League’s Summer Symposium on Cannabis on August 10, 2023.
By Colleen Mitchell
Jul 31, 2023
Interested in applying for a Minnesota cannabis license? Now is the time to get involved in the initial rulemaking process, identify where you’d like to operate, and begin engaging with leaders and business owners in those communities.
Jul 19, 2023
With Maryland’s regulated cannabis industry opening up new opportunities for licensees and ancillary businesses in the coming months, questions remain about the Old Line State’s adult-use cannabis regulations and their impact on licensing, where licensed cannabis businesses can and will be located, MCA’s upcoming license lottery process, and more. Watch this recorded session for a deep dive into what we know, what we’re waiting for, and how to start smart now in Maryland.
Jul 11, 2023
What Can Minnesota Expect from Cannabis Legalization? On July 26, 2023, Jason Tarasek of cannabis law firm Vicente LLP and Josh Maslowski of Stigma will discuss the compelling aspects of legalization in Minnesota and what we can expect from the state's future legal retail cannabis market.
Jun 28, 2023
Vicente attorneys Jason Tarasek, Sahar Ayinehsazian and Yolanda Clarke will discuss what the new cannabis laws mean for the future of Minnesota’s cannabis industry during the 2023 Minnesota Cannabis Law Conference on July 31, 2023
By Travis Copenhaver
Jun 22, 2023
While the state of Minnesota's study on the expected size and growth of the state's cannabis industry will not be complete until January 15, 2025, Vicente LLP's Economics & Research Department recently made some general predictions about the market. Read this Insights article to dive into the numbers.
Jun 7, 2023
FL Gorman will speak on a panel at Lucky Leaf Expo's Maryland conference on July 22, 2023. The panel will focus on the challenges of securing commercial real estate for cannabis businesses in emerging markets and how to avoid wasting time and money.
May 31, 2023
Join us in Minneapolis on June 14 for a can’t-miss cannabis legal and business seminar!
By Krissy Atterholt
May 30, 2023
Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis bill was signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz on May 30, making The North Star State the 23rd to legalize cannabis. Read this insights article to learn more about the law, including who will oversee cannabis regulation, available license types, and licensing considerations.
May 25, 2023
Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that leading Minnesota cannabis attorney Jason Tarasek will join Vicente LLP as counsel on June 1, 2023. His Minnesota Cannabis Law practice will become Vicente’s new Minneapolis office and continue to service its new and current clients as the firm expands operations across Minnesota and the surrounding region.
By Jerrico Perez
May 22, 2023
Opportunities for growth across the nation are currently abundant for cannabis businesses, and our experienced team is here to help you navigate these increasingly complex and competitive licensing processes. With more winning merit-based applications than any other law firm in the country, our team’s work ethic, dedication, and experience will help elevate your application above the competition and set your business up for long-term success.
May 4, 2023
Watch this session from Vicente LLP and Medical Cannabis Law Group for a look into upcoming cannabis opportunities in the exciting new Maryland market.
By Sahar Ayinehsazian, Sam Kovach-Orr
Apr 26, 2023
Maryland's adult-use cannabis implementation bills are currently awaiting Governor Wes Moore's signature after the House Economic Matters Committee and the Senate Finance Committee collaborated to create alignment between the two pending bills, HB556 and SB516. Read this article for key takeaways, including who will oversee cannabis regulation, revised definitions and limits, and important changes to licensing.
By Jen Flanagan, Meg Nash, Sam Kovach-Orr
Apr 12, 2023
Roughly two months after the introduction of cross-filed bills relating to regulating adult-use cannabis in Maryland, HB556 and SB516, the General Assembly passed a final version of the bill and sent it to Gov. Wes Moore for his signature. Read this article for highlighted proposed provisions affecting current and future licenses, including license types and timelines.
By Krissy Atterholt
Apr 11, 2023
Read this article for a breakdown of some of the powers that local governments in Minnesota would have over cannabis retail operations should the adult-use legalization bill Senate File 73 pass.
By Krissy Atterholt, Jason Tarasek
Mar 22, 2023
Microbreweries and cideries have become Minnesota THC beverage market leaders in the wake of 2022's hemp-derived THC product bill. The current cannabis legalization bill would have made things difficult for these producers, but it was recently amended so that lower-potency hemp edibles manufacturers could produce lower-potency hemp edibles at the same facility where food (such as beer or cider) is manufactured.
By Meg Nash, Sam Kovach-Orr
Mar 16, 2023
Proposed legislation that would regulate the adult-use cannabis market in Maryland was recently amended. This article provides an overview of key provisions of the amended HB 556 that will impact both existing medical licensees and future applicants intending to pursue licenses in 2023.
By Meg Nash and Sam Kovach-Orr
Feb 7, 2023
Just a few months after voters legalized cannabis, Maryland legislators introduced proposed legislation that would create a framework for the adult-use cannabis market.
By Sam Kovach-Orr
Jan 23, 2023
Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, Oregon, and Colorado recently issued reports containing policy recommendations relating to intoxicating hemp-derived products.
By Andrea Golan
Jan 6, 2023
Minnesota hemp companies are being sued by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for selling high-THC hemp-derived edibles that allegedly contained 100 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per gummy bear and were intentionally marketed in a manner that is appealing to children. What standards may lower consumer safety risks for these products?
Dec 8, 2022
Watch this session on-demand for a discussion on the cannabis landscape and emerging opportunities in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
By Shawn Hauser, Ariane Beckman
Oct 19, 2022
Intoxicating hemp-derived edibles are permitted in Minnesota. Is this discriminatory against medical cannabis operators? One Minnesota medical cannabis operator filed a complaint against the MN Department of Health for that very reason.
