Jul 2, 2025
Are you attending the Hemp Beverage Expo in Atlanta, Georgia from July 9-11, 2025? Connect with Vicente LLP’s hemp industry attorneys and compliance professionals, including partners Charles Alovisetti, Cassia Furman, Meg Nash, and senior director of regulatory compliance Casey Leaver. Register now!
Jun 25, 2025
Vicente partner and co-chair of the firm’s Corporate Department Charles Alovisetti recently spoke at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on June 9, 2025 during a panel discussion on licensing pitfalls in cannabis mergers and acquisitions. Watch the replay!
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.
By Meg Nash
Jun 3, 2025
Maryland’s Cannabis Business Assistance Fund (CBAF) portal will open today, the first step in providing direct capital assistance to Social Equity Applicants awarded a conditional Maryland Cannabis License. Keep reading to ensure you are ready to apply, and access funds to move from conditional to final license.
By Genevieve Meehan, Samantha Fow
May 22, 2025
On May 16, the Colorado legislature passed HB25-1209, a bill designed to reduce regulatory burdens on licensed cannabis businesses. Spearheaded by state lawmakers and supported by industry advocates, the bill streamlines outdated requirements related to background checks, recordkeeping, surveillance, and more—aiming to improve operational efficiency while maintaining public safety. In this Insights post, we’ll cover the key changes introduced by HB25-1209, how they affect cannabis operators and regulators, and what businesses should know moving forward.
By Steve Pemberton
Apr 15, 2025
Nebraska’s Attorney General has issued cease-and-desist letters to over 100 hemp retailers, citing illegal Delta-9 THC levels. The crackdown highlights the state’s aggressive stance on synthetic THC and mirrors growing national pressure on hemp businesses. Find out how these enforcement actions could impact the industry and what steps businesses can take to stay compliant.
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 27, 2025
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has undergone significant changes with the issuance of a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These changes significantly reduced the law's scope, exempting most U.S. companies from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. In this Insights post, we break down the key takeaways of the IFR and explain their impact on your business.
By Juliana Todeschi
Mar 24, 2025
Florida’s Rule 5K-4.034 establishes new regulations for hemp extract products, focusing on ingredient restrictions and child-resistant packaging. The rule bans 66 additives, including certain FDA-approved colorants, and adopts ASTM standards for child-resistant packaging to reduce product appeal to minors. While enforcement of the rule begins in June 2025, FDACS is already enforcing existing statutes and regulations, making early compliance essential for businesses operating in the state.
By Brandon Kurtzman, Neil Willner
Mar 11, 2025
As New York’s cannabis market evolves, regulators are ramping up enforcement. Licensees must have a proactive compliance strategy for their business to avoid fines and penalties. In this insights post, we dive into the key areas of compliance risk under the newly established Trade Practices Bureau, including ownership violations, license stacking, and fraudulent practices. We also highlight proactive steps businesses can take to stay ahead of regulatory changes and protect their licenses.
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.
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.
By David Ullian, Casey Leaver
Jan 16, 2025
Massachusetts' Cannabis Control Commission has introduced new testing requirements, effective April 1, 2025, to prevent "lab shopping." Key changes include mandatory submission of Test Sample Packages to a single Independent Testing Laboratory, stricter rules for subcontracting tests, and penalties for non-compliance. Read on to learn more about these changes and how to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and avoid regulatory violations.
By Meg Nash, Charles Alovisetti, Bridgette Nikisher
Dec 30, 2024
Maryland has released draft regulations for the Social Equity Partnership Grant Program to promote “qualifying partnerships” between operational cannabis licensees and social equity licensees. This Insights post will break down the key points of these regulations including application limits, grant distribution and restrictions on qualifying partnerships. Public comments are open until January 6, 2025.
Dec 2, 2024
Vicente LLP is honored to announce that ten attorneys from our Boston office were selected for inclusion in Boston Magazine’s 2024 “Top Lawyers” list. Each year, Boston Magazine highlights the outstanding legal professionals in the Greater Boston area who blend exceptional legal services with a “genuine commitment to helping their clients.” Congratulations to our Vicente attorneys recognized for their work in Corporate Law, Government and Administrative Law, Civil Law Litigation, Land Use/Environment, Business Law, and Commercial Litigation!
Nov 19, 2024
Vicente partner Meg Nash has built an impressive career as a lawyer and she recently earned recognition from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as one of the 2024 Top Women of Law. Congratulations, Meg!
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.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver, Stephen Pemberton
Oct 17, 2024
Compliance is becoming more important than ever as the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission recently began actively pursuing enforcement actions against license cannabis businesses, resulting in the issuance of thousands of dollars of fines for noncompliance.
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.
By Genevieve Meehan
Jul 5, 2024
Heads up, Colorado cannabis businesses! The Marijuana Enforcement Division's (MED) Reduced Testing Allowance (RTA) program allows qualified businesses to reduce testing frequency. Additionally, Senate Bill 24-76 brings new requirements that stores should be ready to implement by August 6. Read this Insights post to learn how recent regulation changes impact your operations.
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 David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Jun 5, 2024
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is now issuing formal Requests for Information and Notices of Deficiency to license applicants, licensees, and host communities, and is requesting the submission of a compliant HCA or HCA Waiver. This process could cause delays in the initial application, license renewal, and final licensure processes. Learn more about the HCA reviews and how to request a license renewal extension in this Vicente Insights article.
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.
By Andrea Golan, Genevieve Meehan
Apr 1, 2024
For years, the efficacy of cannabis lab test results has been widely discussed across the California cannabis industry due to inflated potency test results and inconsistencies in results due to labs using different methodologies for testing cannabis. This has changed with the implementation of lab testing standardization.
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 David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Mar 7, 2024
This Insights post provides an overview of recent changes impacting Massachusetts cannabis businesses. We break down the new Model Host Community Agreement (HCA), explaining its purpose, usage, and accessibility. Additionally, we explore the updated application and renewal processes, highlighting the mandatory inclusion of compliant HCAs or waivers. This blog serves as a valuable resource for both new and existing cannabis businesses seeking to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Massachusetts.
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.
Feb 1, 2024
Watch this recorded webinar with Vicente partner Jeremy Shaw, Morrison Cohen partner Tali Newman, and VP of CSG Partners Andrew Nikolai. Panelists will provide an in-depth overview of ESOPs in the cannabis industry, the unique federal tax-exempt status of ESOPs, and why certain cannabis businesses are ideal candidates for ESOP restructuring. Register now!
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.
Nov 21, 2023
Congratulations to the Vicente LLP attorneys who were recognized as top lawyers by Boston Magazine in their 2023 list. Our attorneys were selected for their exceptional work in Corporate Law and Land Use.
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.
Nov 2, 2023
Watch as panelists address the current lab testing and compliance issues in the industry, testing standards across the country, and the importance of reliable testing.
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.
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 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 21, 2023
Join Casey Leaver and Stephen Pemberton at the Cannabis Quality Conference on October 18! Casey and Steve will discuss creating a culture of compliance to help your cannabis operation thrive.
Sep 12, 2023
Join Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi and Meg Nash at NECANN New York! Our attorneys will discuss how to submit a successful cannabis license application for the upcoming New York licensing round. Register here!
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 17, 2023
So, you received your provisional Connecticut cannabis license or just renewed your final license. Now what? It’s time to get on the path to success as an operational and compliant cannabis operator.
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 Genevieve Meehan, Emily Hackman
Jul 26, 2023
As cannabis markets mature, regulatory agencies typically increase compliance enforcement through inspections and audits. It has become increasingly clear that The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has shifted toward increased and escalated enforcement and heightened license application scrutiny. Learn more about this shift and review the updated OMMA inspection forms by reading this Insights article.
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.
By Meg Nash
Jun 28, 2023
Rhode Island moves one step closer to implementing adult-use cannabis with the Senate confirmation of the state's Cannabis Control Commission. This Insight also delves into licensing, social equity applicant criteria, zoning restrictions, and newly released advertising guidelines for hybrid retailers.
Jun 28, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session, where cannabis training and compliance experts from Vicente, Cannabis Trainers and Rootwurks will discuss the gold standards for cannabis employee training and the most common (and costly) compliance pitfalls they’ve seen across the industry.
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 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 11, 2023
Vicente LLP shines the spotlight on newly elevated partner Meg Nash
By Casey Leaver
Apr 10, 2023
The Massachusetts cannabis employee data breach made public last month by the Cannabis Control Commission, combined with recent announcements about the Commission’s “secret shopper” program and an increase in unannounced inspections at licensed facilities, presents a trifecta of reminders for marijuana establishments to revisit their standard operating policies and procedures (SOPs).
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 22, 2023
A new industry is emerging in the United States, and entrepreneurs in the psychedelics space must make critical decisions at the onset of new ventures regarding how to set up and structure their new businesses. Luckily, we have access to another industry with a complex legal framework and a patchwork of different state laws: cannabis. And after forming hundreds of cannabis companies with clients over the past decade, Vicente LLP has lessons to be shared.
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.
Mar 2, 2023
Register to hear Jennifer Flanagan, David Ullian, Meg Nash, Sam Kovach-Orr, and Steve Pemberton discuss Massachusetts hiring plans, business opportunities, and cannabis delivery at NECANN!
Feb 22, 2023
It's official: Vicente Sederberg LLP is now Vicente LLP. Take a look at our new logo and get to know the firm's largest-ever new partner class!
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.
Nov 23, 2022
We're proud to announce that eight VS attorneys were included in Boston Magazine's 2022 'Top Lawyers' list! Congratulations to Brandon Kurtzman, Phil Silverman, Charles Alovisetti, David Ullian, Adam Fine, Jeremy Shaw, Meg Nash, and Michelle Bodian!
By Jen Flanagan, Sam Kovach-Orr, Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 16, 2022
Widespread support for allowing cannabis retail sales in Rhode Island municipalities significantly expands opportunities for potential applicants seeking to obtain one of the 24 cannabis retail licenses expected to be available in 2023. Read this article for insight into what to expect next and how to prepare.
Nov 9, 2022
Watch this recorded session to learn about California's latest cannabis rule changes and how to comply.
By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher, Sam Kovach-Orr, Meg Nash, Elliot Choi
Nov 3, 2022
Notable provisions from the New York Office of Cannabis Management's recently published "Guidance for Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries."
Oct 17, 2022
Reserve your seat for Dutchie and Vicente Sederberg LLP’s co-hosted webinar about insurance and cannabis businesses on October 20!
By Meg Nash
Jul 26, 2022
Licensed medical cannabis cultivators in Rhode Island can produce cannabis for adult use starting August 1, 2022. Hybrid cultivation applications were released on July 26 and hybrid retail cannabis applications will be available by October 15, 2022.
Jun 24, 2022
Cassia Furman was joined by others for a Cannabis M&A Summit panel titled, "Creating Deal Terms, Contracts, Equity & Licenses," on June 22, 2022 in San Francisco, California.
By Meg Nash
May 26, 2022
After years of debate, Rhode Island legalized cannabis for adult use. Read this for key provisions of the "Rhode Island Cannabis Act."
Nov 4, 2021
We're excited to announce that Vicente Sederberg LLP was ranked in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2022 Edition! VS was named a Tier 2 firm in Colorado for Corporate Law.
Aug 19, 2021
Vicente Sederberg LLP is pleased to share that five lawyers representing the firm’s Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York offices were recognized by their attorney peers in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.
Aug 20, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP is pleased to share that five lawyers representing the firm’s Boston and Colorado offices were recognized by their attorney peers in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021.
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).
Apr 1, 2020
Watch this interactive discussion with the nation’s leading employment and cannabis industry law firms, Littler Mendelson and Vicente Sederberg, about the known and possible employment-related legal issues arising from COVID-19’s threat and uncertainty.
Feb 13, 2020
Don't miss the sessions featuring Brian Vicente, Charles Alovisetti, Ilya Ross, Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver and Meg Nash. Also, be sure to meet up with VS during the event and at our pre-conference networking party!
By David Ullian, Senior Associate Attorney; Meg Nash, Associate Attorney; Casey Leaver, Compliance Manager
Nov 1, 2019
With the release of the new marijuana regulations in Massachusetts, our attorneys created a list of some of the important amended licensing and operational topics, effective Friday, November 1, 2019.