Cannabis Trademarks 101
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.
Archive
NYC Cannabis Loan Fund is Now Accepting Applications from New York Cannabis Entrepreneurs
By Brandon Kurtzman, Bridgette Nikisher
Oct 31, 2024
The Cannabis NYC Loan Fund is offering loans of up to $100,000 for cannabis entrepreneurs. Applications for the first phase, which is available to Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licensees, will be accepted through November 4. Learn more about this program!
How to Choose a Trademark for Your Cannabis Brand
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.
[Webinar] Cannabis Rescheduling: Implications and Next Steps
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.
[Webinar] Cannabis IP Strategies: A Forward-Looking Discussion with Patent & Trademark Specialists
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.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund: What You Need to Know
By David M. Ullian
Feb 13, 2024
Massachusetts launched the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to aid qualified cannabis businesses disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition. Licensed businesses or applicants meeting specific criteria, like Social Equity Program participants, can access grants or loans (up to $50,000 now!). Apply online and learn more about future programs before the February 15th deadline.
New Funding Opportunity for Maryland’s Social Equity Cannabis Business Applicants
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.
Minnesota Cannabis Grant Programs Aim to Help Entrepreneurs Succeed and Promote Social Equity
By Jason Tarasek
Oct 23, 2023
The Minnesota legislature has established three grant programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses and to create a more equitable cannabis industry. Read more about them in this Insights article.
Colorado Marijuana Rulemaking Is Underway
By Genevieve Meehan
Jul 24, 2023
The 2023 rulemaking process will run through the fall and address a wide range of topics, including marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and testing standards; fee increases; regulatory efficiency; implementation of legislation enacted earlier this year; intoxicating hemp; and hospitality.
The Ultimate Guide to SB23-290, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Regulation and Legalization Bill
By Joshua Kappel, Juliana Todeschi, George Winfrey
May 24, 2023
Another key step in bringing natural psychedelic medicine to Colorado was completed this week. Governor Polis signed SB23-290, the Natural Medicine Health Act’s implementation bill. This bill is the most comprehensive piece of legislation ever passed by a state government related to a state-authorized natural psychedelic medicine program. It builds upon the values of the NMHA with a renewed focus on indigenous voices, safety, and regulatory efficiency. The measure goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Read our full analysis of the bill.
Celebrating 10 Years of Cannabis Legalization in Colorado
Nov 7, 2022
Amendment 64 made history in 2012. Leaders of Vicente Sederberg and its consulting affiliate, VS Strategies, played key roles in drafting, passing, and implementing the historic ballot initiative.
Legends in Cannabis Policy Reform Vicente Sederberg Join Headset’s High Rise Podcast
Nov 4, 2022
Brian Vicente and Mason Tvert speak on their journey and history related to cannabis legalization on the High-Rise podcast. Listen now!
How to Qualify as Justice-Involved for a New York Cannabis Business CAURD License
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?
Trademarking Your New York Cannabis Industry Business and Brand
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.
Vicente Sederberg Featured in Denver Business Journal Cover Story
Apr 19, 2022
The feature recounts the closely intertwined origins and growth of Vicente Sederberg and the legal cannabis market in Colorado and beyond.
VS is Headed to Las Vegas for the Biggest Cannabis Event of the Year — MJBizCon!
Oct 5, 2021
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, October 19-22!
Michelle Bodian Featured in INCBA CLE: Hemp 301
Aug 20, 2021
VS attorney Michelle Bodian discusses the hemp industry's environmental challenges and opportunities in this on-demand CLE from the INCBA
Jordan Wellington Featured on Deadhead Cannabis Show Podcast
Jul 26, 2021
VS Strategies partner Jordan Wellington discussed Colorado's cannabis hospitality laws and opportunities in New Mexico on the Deadhead Cannabis Show.
Weed Wonks Episode 57: Federal Marijuana Policy Reform with Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Apr 22, 2021
Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston discuss federal cannabis policy reform and the SAFE Banking Act with Congressman Earl Blumenauer.
Weed Wonks Episode 56: The Nitty Gritty of Cannabis Finance with Charles Alovisetti
Apr 7, 2021
Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston discuss legal marijuana finance, equity, and investment with VS's Corporate Department Chair, Charles Alovisetti.
Coronavirus Federal Stimulus Bills: Updated Overview and FAQ for Cannabis, Hemp and Ancillary Businesses
Mar 29, 2021
An updated overview and FAQ of the federal stimulus bills for coronavirus, with specific guidance for marijuana, hemp and ancillary businesses.
Sally Kent Peebles Co-founds WISE Florida Cannabis Advocacy Organization
Mar 25, 2021
WISE Florida, a statewide education and advocacy initiative aimed at building support for legalizing and regulating cannabis for adult use, was launched on March 25, 2021.
When Do You Need Cannabis Regulatory Counsel? A Guide for Corporate Counsel
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.
Weed Wonks Episode 53: 2020 Year in Cannabis
Dec 31, 2020
Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston discuss cannabis industry highlights from 2020 in this episode.
The Cannabis Business: Understanding Law, Finance, and Governance in America's Newest Industry
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.
Medical Cannabis in Texas: Policy Recommendations for Improving the Compassionate Use Program
By Andrew Livingston, Shawn Hauser, Dwight Clark, Mason Tvert
Dec 18, 2020
This VS white paper explains why the current medical marijuana program is falling short and how policymakers can improve patient access, treatment outcomes, and the health of the program. It also explores how such changes would impact the medical cannabis market.
Weed Wonks Episode 51: Canabis Economics with Andrew Livingston and Adam Orens
Dec 11, 2020
Adam Orens of MPG Consulting joins the podcast to talk about cannabis sales and other economic data.
Celebrating 10 Years at the Leading Edge of Cannabis Law
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 1, 2020
For our 10th anniversary, we take a look back at VS's history of leadership in cannabis law, the marijuana and hemp industries, and drug policy reform.
Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: November 2020
Nov 25, 2020
Update on hemp legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: October 2020
Oct 22, 2020
Update on hemp legislation, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
The Economic Benefits of Regulating and Taxing Cannabis in Texas
By Andrew Livingston, Shawn Hauser, Dwight Clark, Mason Tvert
Oct 21, 2020
Texas could see more than half a billion dollars in annual tax revenue and tens of thousands of new jobs if it legalizes cannabis, a VS analysis finds.
Coronavirus Federal Stimulus Bills: Overview and FAQ for Cannabis, Hemp and Ancillary Businesses
Oct 21, 2020
An overview and FAQ of the federal stimulus bills for coronavirus, with specific guidance for marijuana, hemp and ancillary businesses.
Protect Your Brand! Cannabis Trademark Strategies and Benefits
Sep 23, 2020
Watch this virtual discussion on cannabis trademarks and intellectual property with Sahar Ayinehsazian, Erik Pelton and Jeffrey Welsh.
Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: August 2020
Aug 24, 2020
Update on hemp legislation, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
[Webinar] Hemportunities: State and Federal Funding Opportunities for Hemp Businesses
Aug 5, 2020
Learn about grant and loan opportunities for hemp farmers and hemp-related businesses in this session with VS's Michelle Bodian and Eric Steenstra of Vote Hemp.
Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: July 2020
Jul 13, 2020
Update on hemp legislation, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.
Preparing for the Rising Demand for Due Diligence in Cannabis Transactions
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.
Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark Featured in Texas NORML 420 Stream-A-Thon
Apr 20, 2020
Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark talked about SBA loans for cannabis businesses and political advocacy during Texas NORML's 420 Stream-A-Thon.
Trademark Protection for Cannabis, Hemp and CBD Brands
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.