By Charles Alovisetti
Apr 16, 2025
Trump’s return to the White House brings renewed uncertainty for cannabis and hemp policy. This blog breaks down his appointees’ stances, key campaign statements, and what the industry can expect in the months ahead.
By Shawn Hauser, Andrew Livingston
Jan 31, 2025
The much-anticipated hearings on the proposed rulemaking to reschedule cannabis, which were scheduled to begin on January 21, have been postponed for at least three months as a result of an appeal granted by DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney. In this article, we examine a timeline of progress on rescheduling so far and discuss what may happen next and how the new administration may affect the process.
Nov 13, 2024
Vicente partner Sahar Ayinehsazian recently discussed cannabis rescheduling and its potential effect on lending, interest rates and financing during the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Listen now!
Oct 17, 2024
Watch this Vicente session to learn about how rescheduling may impact 280E and tax planning! Vicente attorneys, along with special guest tax attorneys from HBK CPAs and Jones & Keller, provide an update on the rescheduling process, including the timeline to a final rule and potential obstacles, along with a deep dive into 280E and tax strategies.
Oct 2, 2024
The 7th Annual Cannabis LAB Conference will feature Vicente Florida partner Sally Peebles, who will discuss the future of the cannabis industry as a result of federal cannabis rescheduling. Register now!
Sep 13, 2024
Vicente partner Jennifer Cabrera will speak on marijuana rescheduling and pathways for aspiring lawyers at the 2024 National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium in New York City on September 29. Register now!
By Jason Adelstone
Sep 9, 2024
The DEA Hearing on Proposed Rulemaking for cannabis rescheduling will take place on December 2, 2024. What happens next? Read this insights article to learn about the importance of "interested persons" and the administrative law judge appointed to oversee the hearing, the anticipated timeline, the potential impact of the presidential election, and more.
Aug 28, 2024
Vicente LLP Michigan-based partner Travis Copenhaver will discuss opportunities and challenges for the cannabis industry in response to federal marijuana rescheduling at NECANN Michigan on September 20. Register for the conference and contact us to schedule a meeting with Travis!
By Shawn Hauser
Aug 1, 2024
Last Monday marked the end of the historic DEA public comment period for marijuana’s proposed rescheduling to Schedule III. What happens now and how might election dynamics have an impact?
Jul 22, 2024
Vicente LLP partner Tim Swain and director of economics and research Andrew Livingston will speak during the AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference in Aurora, CO on August 13. Tim will discuss litigation and forensics, and Andrew will provide insights on the cannabis market’s current conditions and future opportunities post-rescheduling. Register now!
By Shawn Hauser
May 29, 2024
We are at a historic and critical moment for cannabis reform, as the DOJ and HHS/FDA have proposed rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III. The DEA is accepting public comments until July 22, 2024 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, so now is the time to take action and make your voice heard!
By Jason Adelstone
May 21, 2024
The DEA published its proposed rule to move marijuana from schedule I to schedule III on May 21, and the 60-day public comment period has officially opened. The DEA also published an opinion from the Office of Legal counsel that provides a thorough analysis supporting why placing marijuana in schedule III is appropriate and legally justified. Read this insight for a high-level overview of the proposed rule and the OLC Opinion.
By Jason Adelstone
May 20, 2024
In a recent House Committee meeting with DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, Rep. Andrew S. Clyde voiced his opposition to removing marijuana from Schedule I based on public safety reasons, but then contradicted himself by stating marijuana is “not as dangerous as some of the others we have talked about” (the meeting focused primarily on fentanyl’s harms to communities). This blog post addresses the false narratives and misconceptions that opponents of cannabis reform continue to promote.
By Michelle Bodian
May 17, 2024
This was a big week for hemp (as well as marijuana)! The proposed rules to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) were released and will be officially published in the federal register on May 21, 2024. Some of the language is relevant to hemp and hemp products. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives released draft text for the 2023 Farm Bill. Read this insight for key takeaways.
May 7, 2024
On May 8, Vicente’s director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, is joining Rootwurks for a webinar to break down what it will mean for the cannabis industry now that the DEA is making moves to reclassify cannabis into schedule III—and what work for legalization remains to be done. Register now!
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.
By Andrew Livingston, Jason Adelstone, Shawn Hauser
Apr 30, 2024
After 50 years of being in the most restrictive schedule alongside drugs like heroin and PCP, the DEA will move to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, where the plant’s medical benefits will finally be recognized by the federal government. Read this article for answers to four of the most important questions about the effects Schedule III will have on cannabis and society.
By Jason Adelstone
Apr 29, 2024
After listening to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Hearing with the Commissioner of the FDA on April 11, one conclusion was reinforced—opponents of marijuana reform are misinformed and rely on misstating facts to support their position. Those against moving marijuana into schedule III are making their voices heard, but almost universally, those voices simply do not understand what schedule III would mean.
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 Jason Adelstone
Jan 30, 2024
On August 29, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) sent the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) its recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). Since then, the marijuana industry has waited in suspense for the DEA to make the final call as to what schedule marijuana will be placed. Read this Insights post that outlines the complex process of marijuana rescheduling in the US and outlines the key steps involved, from rule publication to review and final rule, emphasizing the critical role of stakeholder engagement in securing a Schedule III classification.
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.
Oct 4, 2023
Watch this special briefing where Vicente LLP leaders share insights on the impacts of the HHS recommendation to reschedule cannabis and outline the road ahead.
By Shawn Hauser
Aug 31, 2023
The federal government formally acknowledged the medical use and low potential of abuse for cannabis, with the US Department of Health and Human Services recommending that cannabis be rescheduled to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While placement in Schedule III still criminalizes commercial cannabis activity at the federal level, it is a significant step on the path to ending prohibition. This rescheduling would eliminate the application of 280E tax penalties, reduce the level of criminal liability for cannabis-related activity, reduce barriers to research, legitimize the industry through gaining credibility and engagement by physicians and the medical community, and support a growing industry for the American economy.