Archive

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.

Vicente's Annual Austin Social: A Psychedelic & Cannabis Community Event

Feb 25, 2025

Join Vicente LLP on March 8 during SXSW 2025 weekend at a private venue in Austin, Texas to connect with the cannabis and psychedelics community community and support groundbreaking plant medicine research by Field 2 Healed and Dr. Sue Sisley. Event location will be emailed to registrants closer to the event date. Claim your tickets!

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Releases Draft Social Consumption Establishment Regulations for Informal Public Comment

By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Dec 19, 2024

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission released draft regulations for social consumption establishments this week and will hold an informal public comment period through January 23, 2025. Three license types are proposed, including one for current licensed cannabis businesses, one for new or existing non-cannabis businesses, and one for event organizers. Read this article for a breakdown of each license type and what comes next.

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.

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.

Amendments to Massachusetts Cannabis Regulations Will Benefit Licensed Cannabis Businesses and Patients

By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Nov 6, 2024

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission approved adult-use and medical-use cannabis regulations to support microbusinesses, home delivery licensees, product transportation, and medical patients, with a proposed effective date of November 22, 2024. The key provisions of the amendments include the removal of requirements for inventory tracking, changes to Microbusiness and Craft Marijuana Cooperative license types, expanded operations for home delivery businesses, and increased medical cannabis patient access. Read on to learn how these proposed amendments may impact cannabis operations in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Proposes Draft Amended Regulations: Public Comment Period Now Open

By David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Sep 19, 2024

Proposed amendments to Massachusetts’ cannabis regulations would significantly impact microbusinesses, home delivery licensees, product transportation, and medical patients. Public comments are being accepted through October 7—now is the time to make your voices heard! Read this article for a summary of the key provisions in the draft amended regulations.

More Green in the Green Mountain State: Cannabis Statutory Changes and New Cultivator Licensing Opportunity in Vermont

By David Ullian, Antonella Velaoras
Jul 18, 2024

Last month, H.612 - An Act Relating to Miscellaneous Cannabis Amendments became law, making a variety of changes to Vermont’s cannabis laws that will have significant implications for the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis industry - particularly for licensed retailers, cultivators, medical patients, and social equity businesses. Read this Insights article to learn about key changes, a new cultivator licensing opportunity, and the impact on the state’s cannabis industry.

[Webinar] Licensing Opportunities in Kentucky: Medical Cannabis and Hemp

Apr 30, 2024

Are you an entrepreneur or current hemp business interested in entering Kentucky's upcoming medical cannabis market or current hemp market? Watch this recorded session to receive the valuable information you need to get started. Vicente’s cannabis and hemp attorneys will dive into Kentucky’s medical cannabis and adult-use cannabinoid programs, discuss the markets and licensing opportunities, and offer best practices to help you reach your business goals in this new market.

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.

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.

South Carolina Cannabis Update: Legislative Developments for Medical Cannabis and Hemp Products

By David M. Ullian
Feb 6, 2024

The South Carolina General Assembly is revisiting medical cannabis legalization in 2024 with the SCCCA. This revised bill would allow qualified patients with doctor recommendations to purchase limited amounts of infused and extracted cannabis products from licensed pharmacies. Additionally, South Carolina may soon regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 through a separate bill requiring licensing, testing, and age restrictions. This Insights post explores both initiatives and their potential impact on the state's future cannabis landscape.

North Carolina Consideration of Cannabis Reform to Continue: Medical Cannabis & Hemp-Derived Products

By David M. Ullian
Feb 6, 2024

The North Carolina Legislature is expected to revisit medical cannabis access through the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act (NCCCA) once the legislative session begins in 2024. Public support is strong, and the bill would allow patients with debilitating conditions to purchase cannabis from licensed centers. Additionally, the state may soon regulate hemp-derived and kratom products, requiring licenses and testing for production and retail sales. Read this Insights post for more information on North Carolina’s Compassionate Care Act.

Top Five Countries to Watch for International Cannabis Reform in 2024

By Jason Adelstone
Nov 6, 2023

While the cannabis industry in the United States awaits a marijuana scheduling decision from the DEA, many countries around the world continue to move forward with liberalizing their cannabis policies as a superior method of promoting the health and welfare of their citizens. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at five countries poised to make waves in the cannabis landscape in 2024, including Germany, Thailand, Colombia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

[Webinar] Identifying International Cannabis Opportunities in Europe

Oct 26, 2023

This recorded session features members of Vicente LLP’s Federal and International Law and Policy practice group and London cannabis attorney Robert Jappie of Fieldfisher sharing insights into what’s happening with cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids across the pond and opportunities for US operators and investors.

Cannabis and Hemp Developments in North Carolina

By David M. Ullian, Gabriel Amatruda
Oct 5, 2023

Public support for medical cannabis in North Carolina is quite strong and despite being one of only a few states that have legalized medical or adult use, cannabis is finally making headway in the Tar Heel State. Read this article to learn about recent cannabis and hemp developments in NC, including legislation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ vote to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Mississippi Medical Cannabis Market Update

By Colleen Mitchell, Andrew Livingston
Sep 20, 2023

It has been over a year since Mississippi began accepting applications for medical cannabis business licenses and the market has steadily grown. Now, with the residency requirement gone and the passing of a new bill that made some positive changes to the program, it is an excellent time to enter this budding market. Read this article for market updates, including the number of patients, dispensaries, cultivators and processors, in addition to new opportunities created by House Bill 1158.

[Webinar] Washington, DC Cannabis Business Licensing Update

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.

Where Does the Texas Hemp Industry Go After the 2023 Legislative Session?

By Katelin Edwards, Andrea Golan
Aug 1, 2023

Between an unfavorable court ruling and an uninspiring 2021 legislative session, not to mention a major drought impacting all Texas crops, things were not looking good for hemp in Texas going into the 2023 legislative session. Then, many of the promising bills introduced in the 2023 legislative session were unsuccessful. Where does the Texas hemp market go from here? Read this article for four predictions from Vicente's hemp team.

Washington, DC Medical Cannabis Expansion and New Licensing Opportunities

By David M. Ullian
Jun 28, 2023

The Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 is a new law that overhauls Washington, DC’s existing medical cannabis program, significantly expands access for registered patients, and creates a variety of new business opportunities for operators. This article provides a high-level overview of some of the Act’s key provisions and new business opportunities.

Overview of Kentucky's Medical Marijuana Law

By Sally Kent Peebles
May 3, 2023

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshears signed SB47 into law, making the Bluegrass State the 38th state to take this important step. Read this insights article for an overview of the law, including license types and qualifying medical conditions for patients.

Mississippi Legalizes Medical Cannabis: Key Takeaways from the MMCA

By Sally Kent Peebles
Feb 3, 2022

The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (MMCA) is poised to achieve what no other southern state has yet to accomplish—the development of a refreshingly non-competitive licensed program that should allow for greater patient access and lower barriers to entry for those interested in participating in this exciting industry.

[Webinar] Cannabis Real Estate Considerations

Oct 12, 2021

Watch this recorded session where members of VS’s real estate practice discuss cannabis real estate issues, including lease considerations, financing, and local jurisdiction laws that may affect your business. 

The Battle to Allow Smokable Hemp in Texas

By Shane Pennington
Sep 13, 2021

Texas has allowed hemp cultivation and state-based manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of hemp and consumable hemp products since 2019—but only if the products weren’t intended for smoking. This prohibition on a product with such high value for hemp farmers—and soaring consumer demand—was sure to make waves.

Charles Alovisetti to Present Cannabis Real Estate Financing CLE

Jul 1, 2021

The CLE, titled "Financing Cannabis-Related Real Estate: Structuring Options, Enforcement Issues, Regulatory Hurdles" will analyze legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate.

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.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Entering the Cannabis Industry

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.

Commercial Leases Involving Cannabis Businesses

By Ben Leonard and Brett Williams
Mar 9, 2021

This article published by the Colorado Bar Association addresses issues unique to cannabis-related business lease transactions and offers suggestions for structuring such leases to maintain regulatory compliance.

What’s Next for Texas Hemp?

By Shawn Hauser
May 19, 2020

With its incredible farming communities, over 100 million acres of farmland, and large manufacturing and research infrastructure, Texas is poised to play a significant role in the U.S. hemp industry.