Maryland Cannabis Lawyers at Vicente LLP
Sep 4, 2024
Vicente’s Maryland cannabis lawyers are here to help entrepreneurs form their businesses, get licensed, and run compliant operations.
Sep 4, 2024
Vicente’s Maryland cannabis lawyers are here to help entrepreneurs form their businesses, get licensed, and run compliant operations.
Jul 25, 2024
Attorneys and compliance experts from Vicente LLP's Maryland team discuss the requirements, compliance considerations, and best practices that will help make the process of finding compliant real estate for your cannabis business less daunting.
Jun 25, 2024
Vicente LLP has represented Maryland cannabis businesses since the inception of the state’s medical cannabis industry. From assisting with license applications and corporate structuring to providing operational compliance guidance and engaging with the Maryland Cannabis Administration, we are committed to our clients’ success. Now, we are formalizing our commitment to Maryland by opening a new office in Bethesda!
By Meg Nash
Jun 11, 2024
June has been a busy month for the cannabis industry in Maryland! Read this article for updates regarding statutory and regulatory changes that will shape the industry moving forward, including those related to corporate structuring and locations where licensees can operate.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elena Markos
May 7, 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.
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
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 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 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 13, 2023
Join ACR for a Roundtable Discussion on SAFE banking in the cannabis industry, specifically focusing on the impact on small and minority-owned businesses. The webinar featuring Vicente attorney Elliot Choi will be held on Tuesday, July 25th, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET.
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.
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.
Apr 6, 2023
In this episode of Cannabis Minds, Jen Flanagan interviews her colleague Sahar Ayinehsazian who gives valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking services.
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.
Dec 27, 2022
In a CLE on January 12, 2023, Charles Alovisetti will offer advice on the legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate
Oct 5, 2022
VS partners Charles Alovisetti and FL Gorman will discuss debtor-creditor rights pertaining to cannabis at NYSBA’s virtual CRE program on October 6
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
Sep 21, 2022
VS partners Sahar Ayinehsazian and Jerrico Perez will be on a LIVE cannabis banking compliance NHCC Legal Committee seminar on September 28!
Jul 29, 2022
Sahar Ayinehsazian will be speaking at the 2022 PBC Conference on September 8, 2022 to discuss financial investing in the cannabis business space
Aug 18, 2021
VS director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, joined The Green Rush Live to discuss the Federal CAO Act and more.
By Corey Cox, Caitlin Wightman
May 24, 2021
The Colorado government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
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.
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.
Sep 3, 2020
Sahar will present "Curbing Cannabis Cash" at DRI's Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar on September 17, 2020.
Aug 13, 2020
This session explores the complexity of mergers and acquisitions and how to optimize taxes to free cash flow for your cannabis business.
Jul 9, 2020
VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian discusses cannabis industry banking and the many reasons why there is a demand for cannabis legal advice during the COVID-19 pandemic on CSE's Hashtag Finance podcast.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Sahar Ayinehsazian, Corey Cox
May 5, 2020
The continuing growth of the cannabis and hemp industries has given rise to the need for specifically tailored due diligence.
By Meg Nash, David Gately
Apr 30, 2020
The Massachusetts government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
By Andrea A. Golan
Apr 24, 2020
While cannabis businesses are not currently eligible for many federal relief programs established in response to COVID-19, they may be eligible for this form of federal relief.
By Andrea A. Golan and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 22, 2020
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.
Mar 6, 2020
Learn about cannabis industry best practices for indirect taxes and 280E by watching this webinar replay with tax firm Ryan LLC and attorney Jordan Wellington.
Dec 13, 2019
Join VS and the tax experts at Ryan LLC for a live discussion on cannabis industry taxation, including 280E and best practices for indirect tax issues in the cannabis industry.
By Sahar Ayinehsazian, Associate Attorney
Dec 12, 2019
On December 3, 2019, a group of federal financial regulators took an important step to enable hemp operators to access banking services by publishing hemp banking guidance.
Oct 29, 2019
Watch Vicente Sederberg LLP attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian and HUB International Insurance Services in this on-demand webinar about investments in 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.
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.
Aug 28, 2019
WeedWeek hosts Alex Halperin and Donnell Alexander recently invited VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian to discuss cannabis banking on their weekly podcast.