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 Jeffrey Welsh
Nov 19, 2024
In an industry that runs on innovation and differentiation, a cannabis brand’s identity is among its most valuable—and most prone to copying—assets.
By Chelsie Spencer
Sep 3, 2024
A strong trademark is crucial for cannabis businesses to stand out and thrive. This Insights post explores the importance of trademark protection and breaks down the different categories of trademark distinctiveness, from generic to fanciful. By understanding these categories, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions to safeguard and protect their brand identity.
May 3, 2024
Watch this special briefing featuring Vicente LLP leaders who have been deeply immersed in the federal scheduling issue, along with Mitzi Keating, a CPA and partner at Citrin Cooperman.
Mar 28, 2024
Watch this pre-recorded session to learn about the future of intellectual property for cannabis and hemp products with rescheduling on the horizon. This webinar will feature a discussion with VLLP IP specialists regarding patent, IP and trademark protection, cannabis research, and what may change with potential federal marijuana rescheduling.
By Sally Kent Peebles, David Ullian
Feb 13, 2024
Southeast cannabis-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news
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!
Nov 16, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP live session replay regarding Mississippi's medical cannabis market. Panelists will discuss the latest happenings in Mississippi’s cannabis market, business licensing application requirements, operational compliance within a cannabis business, and the future of the state’s growing industry.
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.
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 Sally Kent Peebles
Feb 1, 2023
Nearly one year after Gov. Reeves signed the Mississippi Medical cannabis Act (MMCA), medical marijuana sales launched in the Magnolia State. License applications are still being accepted.
By Sally Kent Peebles, David Ullian
Jan 31, 2023
Update on cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy news and events related to states in the Southeastern U.S. region.
Nov 9, 2022
Watch this recorded session to learn about California's latest cannabis rule changes and how to comply.
Sep 27, 2022
Sally Kent Peebles will be in Jackson, Mississippi on October 7 to speak about cannabis business licensing at the Lucky Leaf Expo!
Aug 29, 2022
VS partners Sally Peebles and Jerrico Perez will participate in an upcoming NHCC legal committee session spotlighting the unique southern cannabis landscape on August 31st.
By Kim Napoli, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 2, 2022
New York's Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Licenses are reserved for "Justice-Involved" individuals disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. What does "Justice-Involved" mean, and how does one take advantage of the benefits associated with that classification?
Aug 1, 2022
Join VS, Dutchie, Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association (3MA) and Cure8 on August 18 for a cannabis business networking event in Jackson, Mississippi.
By Erik Pelton
Jul 27, 2022
Looking to start a cannabis business in New York? When creating your business brand name and logo, don't forget to protect it with a trademark.
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.
Jun 1, 2022
In VS's inaugural Impact Report, we reflect on our work over the past year, celebrate our commitment to community, and look forward to a future of positive, meaningful, and measurable impact.
Apr 21, 2022
Sen. Schumer and Antonio Valdez of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council co-authored a guest column for Univision about how Latinos can benefit from the cannabis economy.
Apr 15, 2022
Kim Napoli was recognized by her peers during the 2022 NECANN Conference Community Awards
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.
Dec 27, 2021
Watch this session to learn accounting best practices for cannabis businesses and how to prepare for year-end. With a focus on social equity operators, this session will advise on risk and opportunity related to the financial side of cannabis operations, as well as how to navigate the complexities of 280E.
Oct 5, 2021
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, October 19-22!
Sep 20, 2021
Kim Napoli was nominated by her peers for two awards at this years' NECANN Conference Community Awards and ultimately voted the Champion of Corporate Responsibility!
Sep 16, 2021
Find Kim Napoli on the Education Village Stage at 3 p.m. Joining Kim are Blake Mensing, Robert Jeffrey, Dick Evans and Jason Ortiz.
Aug 26, 2021
Watch this session for a dive into key elements of the regulations and an engaging discussion with special guests from the NJ CannaBusiness Association, the NJ League of Municipalities, and the US Cannabis Council.
Jul 6, 2021
Marc Ross spoke with Heather Allman of Cannabis Law Report about what ESG is and why it's important for the cannabis industry.
Jun 15, 2021
Watch this recorded session to meet the new VS Impact & ESG team, learn more about this emerging business priority, and how to start planning and measuring your ESG practice – including Corporate Social Responsibility programs, meaningful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, environmental sustainability, and community and employee engagement.
Apr 19, 2021
VS attorney Sally Kent Peebles will participate in the panel "The Growing Field of Medical Marijuana - Mississippi and Beyond" on May 6, 2021.
By Charles Alovisetti, Sally Kent Peebles
Jan 15, 2021
As more law firms are fielding client questions about cannabis industry transactions, it can be challenging for corporate counsel to identify when they need cannabis regulatory counsel.
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 18, 2020
Vicente Sederberg attorneys wrote the book on cannabis law — and now you can own it! This comprehensive primer on all things cannabis law is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand the major practical legal issues facing the marijuana and hemp industries.
Nov 19, 2020
Watch this session for an informed look at the opportunities and other realities of operating in the cannabis industry post-election.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Oct 29, 2020
In less than one week, Mississippi voters will have the chance to vote on and approve Initiative 65, a refreshingly comprehensive and patient-focused medical marijuana amendment.
Sep 23, 2020
Watch this virtual discussion on cannabis trademarks and intellectual property with Sahar Ayinehsazian, Erik Pelton and Jeffrey Welsh.
Sep 2, 2020
Moderated by Brian Vicente, this fireside chat educates viewers on the Mississippi ballot initiative campaign to make medical marijuana available to patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions in Mississippi through their physicians.
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.
Dec 11, 2019
What brand protection options are available for businesses in the cannabis, hemp, CBD or related industries? Watch this presentation to better understand the tactics your business can implement to increase protection for brand names, logos, and slogans.