Archive

[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.

New York Cannabis Business Applications Are Live and the Deadline is Extended: What We’ve Learned

By Bridgette Nikisher
Oct 18, 2023

New York’s adult-use regulations are effective and the first application period for certain adult-use licenses is underway! At the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) meeting on October 17, 2023, CCB announced that they are extending the deadline for applications by two weeks. Read this Insights article for details related to Social and Economic Equity Applicant applications, how many licenses will be awarded, the review and selection process, property control and proximity protection, and true parties of interest disclosures.

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] Preparing for New York Cannabis Business Licensing

Sep 14, 2023

New York's adult-use cannabis licensing is set to open in the fall, and members of Vicente LLP’s New York team and a special guest from Dutchie provide answers to the “who, what, where, when and how” questions on the minds of prospective Empire State cannabis licensees during this webinar replay.

[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.

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.

Upcoming Cannabis Business Licensing Opportunities Across the U.S.

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.

Can New York’s Illegal Cannabis Dispensaries Be Stopped? Governor Hochul Proposes a Solution

By Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi
May 12, 2023

New York City has seen a proliferation of illicit and unregulated cannabis stores since the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act was signed into law on March 31, 2021. To date, enforcement efforts have been limited; however, that could all change with the passage of the Governor’s 2024 budget. Read this article to learn key aspects of the budget provisions concerning the illicit cannabis market.

Revised New York Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations: What You Need to Know

By Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi, Brandon Kurtzman, Charles Alovisetti
May 11, 2023

On May 11, 2023, New York’s Cannabis Control Board voted to approve the revised adult-use cannabis regulations. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has indicated adult-use cannabis applications will open up in the fall, meaning these revised regulations will function as our roadmap. This article outlines key changes in the revised regulations.

Key Aspects of New York's Cannabis Law and Draft Regulations

By Charles Alovisetti
May 8, 2023

New York's Cannabis Control Board meets this week and a revised set of draft regulations, reflecting comments from the initial period, is expected to be released before the meeting. Attend our webinar on May 17 for a deep dive into the revised regulations.

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.

New York Cannabis Regulators Make the Environment a Top Priority for All Licenses

By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 24, 2022

We anticipate New York's adult-use cannabis rules will be one of the country's strictest in terms of environmental and energy standards and best practices for water and energy conservation. Regardless of what license type you're interested in pursuing or have already obtained, you'll need to add "environmental considerations" to your mental to-do list.

New York Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Retail Dispensary Regulations Will Fast-track Licensing and Prioritize Justice Involved Individuals

By Michelle Bodian, Jennifer Cabrera, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 16, 2022

On August 12, 2022, New York state announced the application window for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary Licenses (CAURD), which will be the first batch of adult-use retail licenses released in New York. CAURD applications will be available starting August 25, 2022 and close on September 26, 2022.

How to Get Started on Your New York Cannabis Business License Application

By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Jul 5, 2022

To beat the summer slump, VS’s New York team created an eight-part series of VS Insights to help you prepare for your New York cannabis business license application. Read the first article of the series, which focuses on helpful tips to put your best foot forward for the licensing process.

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.

Cannabis State Regulatory Agencies

By Jennifer Cabrera, Jen Flanagan
Jan 29, 2022

This LexisNexis practice note offers a greater understanding of the varied processes that impact the legalization of cannabis at the state level and discusses how evolving state statutes and regulatory structures impact the adult-use cannabis industry.

10 Updates on New York’s Cannabis Market

By Charles Alovisetti, Michelle Bodian, Brandon Kurtzman
Jan 18, 2022

While we still don’t have draft or final cannabis regulations, applications, or a definitive timetable, plenty of new information has come out since legalization. Read this article for ten key updates about New York’s market in the past year.

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.

New Law Regulates Hemp and Hemp Extracts in New York

By Jennifer Cabrera, Counsel; David Kramer, Senior Associate; Michelle Bodian, Senior Associate
Dec 19, 2019

A summary of New York's newly signed hemp law, one of the most comprehensive state laws regulating the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of hemp and hemp extracts.

Workshop: Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis

Aug 15, 2019

VS Counsel Jennifer Cabrera will lead a workshop at Union County College where attendees will learn how cannabis works, how patients can acquire it in New Jersey, and the benefits, side effects and risks associated with medical marijuana use.