Archive

Federal Hemp Policy Briefing: Critical Insights on the New Hemp Definition, THC Limits, and 2026 Market Impacts

Nov 19, 2025

Vicente LLP delivers a rapid-fire update on the sweeping federal changes redefining “hemp” and their impact on products, businesses, and state regulatory frameworks. We’ll break down the new Total THC limits, synthetic cannabinoid prohibitions, and one-year compliance timeline, as well as how these developments intersect with state “trigger” laws and potential cannabis rescheduling.

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2025 Federal Hemp Reclassification: Congress Moves to Redefine “Hemp” and Ban Most Hemp-Derived THC Products

By Cassia Furman, Shawn Hauser, Juliana Todeschi, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 13, 2025

A new federal law has been signed, effectively banning most commercially available hemp products. Language included in the FY2026 Agricultural Appropriations Bill resets the threshold for federally legal hemp at 0.3% Total THC, as opposed to delta-9 THC, caps Total THC content for finished products at 0.4 mg per container, and prohibits synthetic or converted cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC. In this blog, we break down the key aspects of the legislation, including how it changes the definition of hemp, the timelines businesses should prepare for, and what this means for hemp operators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers nationwide.

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Introducing the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition: How Industry Leaders Are Shaping THC Drink Policy

Nov 10, 2025

Vicente LLP has helped launch the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition, consisting of leading cannabis, hemp, and beverage brands working to establish responsible regulation for hemp-derived THC drinks in Colorado. Founding members include Wana, Cycling Frog, Keef, Fable, Vertosa, and Vicente LLP. The Coalition is actively engaging with regulators and legislators to shape a compliant, accessible market for low-dose THC beverages. Through events, briefings, and policy collaboration, the Coalition is building momentum toward thoughtful cannabis beverage reform and invites industry participants to join the effort.

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Rescheduling Marijuana: What It Means (and Doesn’t) for Criminal Justice Reform

By Angela George, Shawn Hauser
Nov 3, 2025

The DEA’s proposal to move marijuana to Schedule III would change its federal classification by acknowledging its medical use and relative safety, but marijuana would remain a controlled substance with most criminal penalties and collateral consequences unchanged. Federal illegality would persist until FDA approval, and prior convictions would remain unaffected. Read on for how the proposed rescheduling could affect criminal justice for marijuana convictions.

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Maryland Court Ends Hemp Sales Loophole

By Shawn Hauser, Juliana Todeschi and Angela George
Sep 26, 2025

Maryland’s Appellate Court has ruled that consumable hemp products are fully subject to the state’s Cannabis Reform Act (CRA), overturning a 2023 injunction that had allowed some unlicensed hemp sales. This decision means that all hemp retailers must now obtain state cannabis licenses and comply with strict limits on THC content, packaging, labeling, and testing. Read on to learn more.

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Vicente LLP Attorney Shawn Hauser Contributes to the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025

Aug 28, 2025

Vicente LLP partner Shawn Hauser contributed her insights to the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025, where she discussed the disconnect between U.S. federal and state cannabis policy. Her perspective on banking reform and international regulatory alignment is reflected in the White Paper’s actionable recommendations for advancing global cannabis markets. Download the whitepaper now.

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Vicente LLP Attorneys Recognized Across All 2026 Best Lawyers® Categories, Including Lawyer of the Year

Aug 21, 2025

Vicente LLP is proud to announce that 12 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of the Best Lawyers® awards, marking a milestone achievement with honors in all three individual award categories. Eight attorneys earned placements on The Best Lawyers in America® list, four were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, and one was honored with the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” designation.

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Trump Signals Cannabis Rescheduling: Schedule III Marijuana Decision Expected Soon

By Shawn Hauser
Aug 20, 2025

President Trump has confirmed that his administration is actively reviewing a proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. If approved, this change would officially recognize medical use for the first time in over 50 years and could bring major shifts for the cannabis industry. In this article, we’ll break down what Schedule III would mean, the opportunities and limits of rescheduling, and what cannabis businesses should keep in mind as these changes unfold.

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Can Psychedelics Change How We Treat Addiction? Vote for Our SXSW 2026 Panel

Aug 11, 2025

Our SXSW 2026 panel will explore how psychedelics, cannabis, and policy reform could transform addiction treatment. Featuring cannabis and psychedelics lawyer Shawn Hauser, pioneering researcher Dr. Sue Sisley, and SXSW-winning filmmaker Justin Benoliel. Vote for “Can Psychedelics Change How We Treat Addiction?” by August 24 to help bring this important conversation to the stage.

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Texas SB 2024: Statewide Ban on Hemp-Derived Vapes Takes Effect September 2025

By Shawn Hauser, Angela George
Jul 17, 2025

Texas Senate Bill 2024, signed into law on June 20, 2025, enacts a sweeping statewide ban on hemp-derived vape products, effective September 1, 2025. While attention was focused on the vetoed SB 3, SB 2024 quietly advanced and now effectively eliminates hemp-derived vape products from the Texas market. This blog explores the bill’s evolution, the legislative strategy behind it, and the far-reaching implications for the hemp and vape industries.

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Vicente LLP Earns Top National Recognition for Cannabis and Psychedelics Law in Chambers USA 2025 Guide

Jun 5, 2025

Vicente LLP is proud to once again earn Band 1 Nationwide rankings for both Cannabis Law and Psychedelics Law in the Chambers USA 2025 Guide—reaffirming our position as the leading firm in these emerging sectors. Since the introduction of Cannabis Law in 2019 and Psychedelics Law in 2024, we’ve consistently led the field with a proven track record, bold policy leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our clients.

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Vicente LLP Participates in the Global Cannabis Regulators Summit in Washington, DC

Feb 28, 2025

Vicente LLP participated in the Global Cannabis Regulators Summit on March 25–27, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Vicente partner Shawn Hauser, co-chair of our Hemp & Cannabinoids practice, was a featured speaker on the panel “From Policy Idea to Program Implementation: Overcoming Legal, Financial, and Political Barriers to Unlock Global Cannabis Reform.”

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Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Postponed: How Did We Get Here and What Happens Next?

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.

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Hemp-Derived THC Products in California: Overview of U.S. Hemp Roundtable et al. v. California Department of Public Health et al.

By Juliana Todeschi and Shawn Hauser
Oct 24, 2024

In late September, several hemp industry businesses and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable trade group filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Public Health to overturn the new California emergency regulations banning hemp-derived products containing any “detectable” amount of THC. Learn more about the emergency regulations and the lawsuit affecting the future of hemp-derived THC products in California.

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[Webinar] Cannabis Rescheduling: Timeline, Tax Strategies & 280E

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.

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New Jersey Passes Law to Regulate ‘Intoxicating Hemp Products’

By Sarah Grande, Andrea Golan, Shawn Hauser
Sep 23, 2024

New Jersey is the latest state to regulate “intoxicating hemp products,” with an immediate ban on the sale of products with any detectable amount of THC to individuals under 21 years of age and only allows such products to be sold in state-licensed cannabis businesses. The new law will permit liquor stores licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to sell intoxicating hemp beverages once those regulations are adopted.

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Several Texas Cannabis Reform Measures Set to Appear in November General Election Ballot

By Daniel Molina, Shawn Hauser
Aug 30, 2024

With an upcoming legislative session that will consider medical cannabis expansion, hemp regulation, decriminalization, and other cannabis matters—we have our eyes on Texas! Read the first blog of our Texas series which covers updates on cannabis reform and decriminalization measures in cities like Dallas and Austin, which are set to be on the ballot in November.

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Your Voice Matters: Help Transfer Cannabis out of Schedule I

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!

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Texas Consumable Hemp Program Rules Are Under Review

By Daniel Molina, Shawn Hauser
Apr 9, 2024

Every four years, Texas agencies must review adopted rules and that time has come for the Lone Star State's Consumable Hemp Program. As businesses and consumers navigate the Texas hemp market, it's important to understand the rules, rulemaking process, and impending deadlines. If you participate in Texas' booming hemp market, now is the time to make your voices heard as the comment period for this rule review is open through April 22, 2024.

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Shawn Hauser Dives into Federal Cannabis Reform with Opus Consulting

Dec 21, 2023

Shawn Hauser recently joined the “One Minute With…” podcast hosted by Jacques Santucci of Opus Consulting to discuss Vicente LLP’s history with cannabis legalization, the recent recommendation by the HHS to reschedule marijuana to a Schedule III drug and what this means for the future of federal drug policy reform. Listen now!

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US Officially Recognizes Medical Use and Safety of Cannabis: The Top 6 Things to Know About Schedule III and the Process 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.

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DEA Proposes to Reschedule Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

By Michelle Bodian, Shawn Hauser, Shane Pennington
May 11, 2023

At a DEA supply chain conference last week, Terrance Boos, Section Chief, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, stated that the DEA will be releasing a rule to reschedule certain hemp-derived cannabinoids.

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Lessons Learned from the Regulation of CBD Products in the United Kingdom

By Shawn Hauser, Catie Wightman, Ariane Beckman
Sep 20, 2022

Like the US, regulators in the UK are struggling to find ways to best regulate CBD and other hemp-derived products—frustrating hemp businesses across the globe. Read this VS Insights article to learn how the UK is currently regulating CBD and key findings and recommendations from the ACMD's Consumer CBD Products Report.

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Vicente Sederberg Contributes to APPG for CBD Products' Business Plan to Future-Proof UK Cannabis Industry

Jul 28, 2022

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for CBD Products recently delivered "A Plan for a Legal and Regulated UK Hemp and Cannabis Sector" to the UK Government. Shawn Hauser and Andrew Livingston contributed to the business plan, which offers an industry analysis and series of recommendations to create a well-regulated, multi-faceted and competitive UK cannabis industry.

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FDA Enforcement Action Targeted at Hemp-Derived Delta-8 Products

By Michelle Bodian, Shawn Hauser, Catie Wightman
May 5, 2022

For the first time ever, the FDA issued warning letters to companies selling products containing hemp-derived Delta-8 THC. Notably, this is the first time the FDA has specifically enforced against Delta-8 products. Read this for key takeaways from these warning letters.

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[Webinar] Minor Cannabinoids & Trending Topics in Hemp

Apr 1, 2022

Watch this session exploring trending topics in hemp. During the session, members of our hemp team dive into the legality, regulation, and lawsuits surrounding minor cannabinoids, current federal hemp legislation, and what we expect and hope to see in the 2023 Farm Bill.

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Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy

May 4, 2021

Colorado Law Executive Education and CU Leeds School of Business are offering an online Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy on Fridays during June 2021. The academy will tackle many cannabis business issues, including leadership, financing, regulations, markets, and more!

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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.

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[Webinar] Hemp Game Changers

Apr 17, 2020

This virtual session, originally planned for SXSW 2020, features representatives from Vicente Sederberg, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Willie's Remedy discussing the future of the industry, its challenges, the environment, and more.

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Getting to the Root of the Problem: The 0.3% THC Hemp Standard

By Shawn Hauser, Partner
Feb 27, 2020

The beginning of federally regulated hemp has been marred by industry-wide concerns about an overly restrictive federal program, and what may come from the USDA review of more than 4,600 comments to its interim final rule governing U.S. hemp production.

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