Vicente LLP specializes in the cannabis industry. For over a decade, we have been assisting licensed marijuana and hemp operators, ancillary businesses, investors, and other law firms on a wide variety of transactions and other corporate matters. We know the players, and we know how to navigate the laws and regulations, which means we know how to get deals done.
Our corporate practice includes more than 20 experienced attorneys across the U.S. Many of them formerly worked at AmLaw 100 firms and were drawn to Vicente LLP by our reputation as an industry leader, our authentic passion for cannabis law and policy, and our entrepreneurial spirit. It’s this passion and experience, combined with our extensive client base of companies and investors, that enables our team to create significant value and lasting impact for our corporate clients.
All of our corporate attorneys are deeply involved in cannabis regulatory work, making Vicente LLP second to none when it comes to providing cannabis regulatory advice. Leaders of our firm played key roles in establishing the world's first regulated cannabis markets, and we continue to play an active part in the evolution and expansion of the industry. This regulatory experience, paired with our broad geographic scope, allow us to provide exceptional legal services to new and expanding businesses as they grapple with regulatory and corporate issues across numerous jurisdictions. It also makes Vicente LLP the go-to firm for other law firms and service providers seeking specialized regulatory guidance.
Select a category below to learn more about our corporate legal services.
More than 1,000 clients across all segments of the cannabis and hemp industries have chosen Vicente LLP as a trusted legal advisor, including emerging companies, entrepreneurs, farmers, multi-state operators, publicly traded companies, private investors, venture capital and private equity firms, and other law firms. Transactional highlights include:
May 17, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session where members of our New York team dive into the significant changes from the first draft of New York's cannabis regulations, how the new regulations will impact capital raises and M&A, and more!
May 11, 2023
With ketamine being the only approved psychedelic drug for medical use, ketamine clinics offer a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the expanding market of innovative mental health therapies. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing demand for ketamine clinics and the unique regulatory considerations involved in transactions involving these businesses.
May 10, 2023
Vicente LLP shines the spotlight on newly elevated partner Jeremy Shaw
Apr 27, 2023
Attend this Vicente LLP session to learn about how asset-light business models can help expand your business and bring products to market faster and with less capital.
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.
Mar 15, 2023
Cannabis businesses facing insolvency can't access federal bankruptcy courts, but they do have restructuring options. One of those options is an out-of-court workout between lenders and borrowers. Watch this Vicente LLP session to learn the practical issues around out-of-court workouts and cannabis companies.
Mar 9, 2023
Watch this session to learn how cannabis regulations impact M&A transactions and financings in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
Feb 16, 2023
Cannabis companies facing insolvency must use state receiverships or out-of-court workouts to restructure an insolvent business. But what does that mean, and what is the right choice for your business? Watch our live session on the practical issues around the receivership of cannabis companies.
By Michelle Bodian, Sam Kovach-Orr, Bridgette Nikisher
Dec 16, 2022
Draft regulations to implement New York's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act have been published. While the draft regulations are over 280 pages, we summarized ten key items that will most directly impact hopeful and existing New York cannabis businesses.
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 Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Oct 18, 2022
Helpful tips and best practices to position you and your business for a smooth New York cannabis license application process.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Sahar Ayinehsazian
Sep 29, 2022
Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Sahar Ayinehsazian write for the Bloomberg Law, reflecting on the challenges and journey of raising private capital in the cannabis industry
By Marc Ross
Sep 7, 2022
Socially responsible investors and activist board members have been throwing their ESG weight around during the last few proxy seasons at annual shareholder meetings. They demand action on climate change, diverse boards and senior leadership, restrict campaign donations, divestment in specific industries, and request measurement, benchmarking, and reporting of comprehensive ESG impacts.
Aug 19, 2022
VS is pleased to announce that 14 attorneys from national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP (VS) were recognized this week by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.
Aug 17, 2022
Jennifer Cabrera is scheduled to present on Predatory Practices in the Cannabis Industry in Brooklyn, New York on August 28, 2022 for the Revelry Summit.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Jul 20, 2022
The wait may soon be over for those wishing to enter the Florida medical marijuana market with the upcoming general application process opening for medical marijuana treatment centers.
By Zachary Windham
Jul 13, 2022
The New York cannabis rush is here, and with the release of more license categories on the horizon, cannabis entrepreneurs are (hopefully) busy preparing for the upcoming historical licensing round. Read this VS Insight focusing on a crucial first step for any company—creating a plan and forming a business.
Jul 6, 2022
VS is excited to announce that the prestigious international legal directory Chambers & Partners awarded VS with the 'Cannabis Law Firm of the Year' award once again, extended VS a Band 1 ranking for the fourth straight year, and recognized five VS attorneys as top cannabis lawyers.
Jun 28, 2022
Watch this session to learn how debt financing can be a funding source for your cannabis business.
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.
May 23, 2022
Brian Vicente and Genevieve Meehan will join cannabis branding and compliance panels on Thursday, June 9.
By Charlie Alovisetti, Navid Brewster
May 10, 2022
Raising money for a company is challenging. It can be even more challenging if you haven’t been through the process before and don’t know what decisions you need to make. This article lays out 10 key considerations to think about when setting up your financing.
Apr 25, 2022
Shawn Hauser, Kim Napoli, Marc Ross and Christian Sederberg will speak on cannabis policy, ESG, and social equity during the virtual Cannalaw Summit on May 3 & 4, 2022.
Apr 8, 2022
Cassia will join the panel "The Current Legal Cannabis Landscape: An Overview and Comparative Study" on April 12 at 9:15 a.m.
Mar 4, 2022
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends in person this month at the New England Cannabis Convention (NECANN)! Michelle Bodian, Jeremy Shaw, and David Ullian are slated to present in hemp and cannabis sessions.
Mar 1, 2022
The Business of Cannabis: New York Sessions event will focus on the critically important topic of connecting social equity licensees to capital.
Jan 11, 2022
Watch this session for a look back at 2021 tri-state cannabis developments and a look forward to expectations for 2022.
Dec 10, 2021
VS Founding Partner Brian Vicente joined TrueGreen's stellar panel at MJBizCon 2021 to discuss the cannabis industry's past and present, and how compliance, technology, and data insights are the future of a successful industry.
Dec 4, 2021
VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian is slated to speak at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention on December 10, 2021.
By Charles Alovisetti, Joshua Kappel, Andrea Golan
Dec 2, 2021
As we wait for federal legalization and/or state-regulated psilocybin markets to emerge, what can a motivated entrepreneur interested in mycelium pursue?
Nov 19, 2021
VS attorneys Charlie Alovisetti, Sahar Ayinehsazian, and Marc Ross are slated to present at the event in San Francisco, December 16-17, 2021. Be our guest! Use discount code SBrody100 for a complimentary pass to the forum and expo.
Nov 9, 2021
What exactly is the business case for a company going down the ESG path? Marc Ross will join a stellar group of panelists to discuss this and other topics at the Cannabis Sustainability Symposium on November 18, 2021.
Oct 19, 2021
Watch this recorded session for an update on recent changes in the Colorado market from members of our Colorado regulatory, corporate, and hemp teams and special guest Christopher Stefan of Cannabis Capital Advisors.
Oct 14, 2021
VS counsel and head of impact & ESG, Marc Ross, is slated to speak at the Legal ESG Summit on Tuesday, October 26 at 2:45 p.m. CT.
Oct 11, 2021
The spread of legalization means a growing practice area for law firms. Two VS Columbia Law alumni were interviewed in this article.
Oct 5, 2021
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, October 19-22!
Sep 24, 2021
Join these cannabis financial and legal thought leaders as they discuss the rapidly changing cannabis capital and finance landscape.
Sep 8, 2021
This CLE featuring Sahar Ayinehsazian reviews the different types of internal documents needed for a business entity in the cannabis industry and key considerations for drafting.
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.
Jul 28, 2021
This CLE, featuring Shane Pennington, provides an overview of the appellate process.
Jul 2, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti discussed cannabis policy and his book, The Cannabis Business, in this episode of In the Weeds with Jimmy Young podcast.
Jul 1, 2021
The CLE, titled "Financing Cannabis-Related Real Estate: Structuring Options, Enforcement Issues, Regulatory Hurdles" will analyze legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate.
Jun 23, 2021
VS founding partner Christian Sederberg was recently interviewed by legal columnist Alison Frankel of Reuters about his background in cannabis law and thoughts for the future.
Jun 8, 2021
The prestigious international legal directory awarded VS with the 2021 'Cannabis Law - Law Firm of the Year' award, once again extended VS a Band 1 ranking, and recognized two more VS attorneys as top cannabis lawyers.
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!
By Charles Alovisetti, Cassia Furman
Apr 23, 2021
To many in the cannabis industry, REIT is not a common acronym. Yet, as cannabis businesses seek ways to raise funds, REITs are coming up in more and more conversations.
Apr 19, 2021
Christian Sederberg and Barine Majewska will speak on cannabis law and psychedelics during the Cannalaw Summit on May 6, 2021.
By Brian Vicente
Apr 19, 2021
The cannabis industry is complex. Prospective cannabis business owners and other service providers interested in working with cannabis businesses are wise to take a step back and assess what it really takes to not only enter the cannabis industry, but to succeed in it.
Apr 9, 2021
Watch this presentation for a look into the new law, how it will be implemented, and the opportunities it will create for businesses and individuals.
Apr 7, 2021
Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston discuss legal marijuana finance, equity, and investment with VS's Corporate Department Chair, Charles Alovisetti.
Apr 5, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti recently talked about his book 'The Cannabis Business' with host Bethany Moore on NCIA's cannabis industry podcast
By Charles Alovisetti, Jennifer Cabrera
Mar 25, 2021
Using New Jersey as an example, here are eight important considerations companies should make when expanding into new cannabis markets.
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 19, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti outlines six regulatory considerations cannabis investors and operators should keep in mind when thinking about court-supervised transfers of control of a cannabis business in this article published by Marijuana Venture.
Mar 15, 2021
VS attorney Elliot Choi will join Rick Kaplan of NYREJ on April 8 for a discussion on cannabis industry real estate investments in New York City.
Mar 11, 2021
Jennifer Cabrera will join leaders from Armanino LLP, Mammoth Distribution, and Reed Smith LLP for a cannabis interstate trade trends and insights fireside chat on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 12 p.m. PT.
By Ben Leonard and Brett Williams
Mar 9, 2021
This article published by the Colorado Bar Association addresses issues unique to cannabis-related business lease transactions and offers suggestions for structuring such leases to maintain regulatory compliance.
By Charles Alovisetti and Ilya Ross
Feb 19, 2021
With wary investors and a minimal number of FDIC-insured bank lenders in the space, cannabis entrepreneurs are running out of options to raise capital. SPACs create a unique opportunity to fill the current vacuum of capital in the cannabis industry.
Feb 4, 2021
A look into cannabis legalization, markets, and opportunities in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
By Charles Alovisetti
Jan 25, 2021
Like anything in the cannabis industry, getting a debt deal done requires navigating unique regulatory challenges. Here are seven regulatory considerations that cannabis borrowers and lenders should keep in mind when pursuing a debt transaction.
By Charles Alovisetti and Sahar Ayinehsazian
Jan 25, 2021
As cannabis businesses become more mainstream, banks are shedding their fears about the risks of lending to this growing industry.
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.
By Kelsey Middleton
Dec 2, 2020
A recent ruling determined that the Bureau of Cannabis Control exceeded its rulemaking authority by allowing any advertising to be seen on interstate highways and state highways crossing the California border.
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.
Nov 11, 2020
Josh Kappel and Charlie Alovisetti give a post-election update for investors in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
By Charles Alovisetti, Sahar Ayinehsazian, Andrea Golan
Nov 5, 2020
The coronavirus and efforts to contain it have led to changes in the regulatory landscape and consumer behavior that are likely to shape the cannabis industry moving forward. In spite of COVID-19, or perhaps because of it, the cannabis industry is thriving, and will continue to do so as long as demand remains strong and operators adhere to the rules and regulations designed to keep consumers and employees safe.
Sep 23, 2020
Watch this virtual discussion on cannabis trademarks and intellectual property with Sahar Ayinehsazian, Erik Pelton and Jeffrey Welsh.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Sahar Ayinehsazian
Sep 18, 2020
Raising private capital continues to be a challenge for the nascent cannabis industry, but there are proactive steps companies can take to maximize the chance of a successful raise.
Sep 3, 2020
Sahar will present "Curbing Cannabis Cash" at DRI's Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar on September 17, 2020.
Aug 28, 2020
Watch this session to understand the latest trends, regulatory approval process, and common diligence issues in cannabis-related M&A transactions.
Aug 13, 2020
This session explores the complexity of mergers and acquisitions and how to optimize taxes to free cash flow for your cannabis business.
Aug 11, 2020
Watch this session with VS's corporate team to help maximize the chances of private capital raising success for your cannabis business or start-up.
By Charles Alovisetti, Elliot Choi, Ben Leonard, Jeremy Shaw
Aug 6, 2020
Conducting a closing is one of the more stressful tasks for junior and even senior attorneys. When a deal is ready to close, most of the principals and businesspeople are finished with their work, but lawyers are not out of the woods yet.
By Charles Alovisetti
Jul 29, 2020
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) provides free model documents for venture capital financings, but are they useful in the cannabis industry?
Jul 27, 2020
Join VS attorney Jerrico Perez on the CanopyBoulder Investor Hub for information on the state of the Illinois market and where the opportunities lie for investors.
Jul 22, 2020
Watch this interview with Brandon Kurtzman on the CanopyBoulder Investor Hub for information on the state of legal cannabis in Massachusetts and where the opportunities lie for investors.
Jul 17, 2020
Watch this interview with Carl Werner on the CanopyBoulder Investor Hub for information on the state of legal cannabis in Missouri and where the opportunities lie for investors.
Jul 9, 2020
VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian discusses cannabis industry banking and the many reasons why there is a demand for cannabis legal advice during the COVID-19 pandemic on CSE's Hashtag Finance podcast.
By Luke Stanton, Jeffrey Welsh
Jul 1, 2020
One of the biggest mistakes a cannabis and hemp business owner can make is trying to do everything alone. To avoid this, find a strategic partner or create a joint venture to help your business thrive.
By Charles Alovisetti
Jun 24, 2020
Forming a Delaware corporation is a good idea for some cannabis startups, but often results in a hefty Delaware franchise tax bill. In this article, we explain why you might actually owe less.
By Phil Silverman
May 20, 2020
The U.S. is facing its gravest economic crisis since the Great Depression due to the coronavirus pandemic. These 10 concepts are not necessarily unique to cannabis businesses, but in an industry that’s already subject to greater federal, state and local scrutiny, they can serve as a guide for those seeking to relieve their financial stress.
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.
Apr 30, 2020
It's no surprise that cannabis companies face inequitable treatment when it comes to taxes. But did you know there are ways to minimize their impact?
By Charles Alovisetti, Phil Silverman, Jason Adelstone
Apr 17, 2020
Bankruptcy law provides advantages for financially distressed companies to restructure debt while continuing to operate. Without access to U.S. Bankruptcy Code protections, marijuana companies must turn to out-of-court restructurings and state law insolvency proceedings.
Apr 8, 2020
Andrew Livingston talks about cannabis economics during the coronavirus crisis in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
Apr 7, 2020
Watch the replay of this discussion on federal financial assistance and lending available for hemp and CBD businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Apr 2, 2020
Josh Kappel discusses COVID-19 stimulus packages and the impact on the cannabis industry in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
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.
Mar 27, 2020
Watch the replay of this timely discussion on coronavirus (COVID-19) regulatory updates affecting the cannabis industry.
Mar 9, 2020
You received your Michigan cannabis license. Now what? Join VS and Cannabis Legal Group on March 25 to learn about how to take your business to the next level with private financing.
Mar 6, 2020
Learn about cannabis industry best practices for indirect taxes and 280E by watching this webinar replay with tax firm Ryan LLC and attorney Jordan Wellington.
Mar 4, 2020
Colorado Law Executive Education and CU Leeds School of Business are offering a free webinar on April 21 and a "Cannabis Entrepreneurship Short Course" on June 15, 2020.
By Charles Alovisetti, Jessica Scardina, Ben Leonard, Carl Werner, and Justin Johnson
Nov 18, 2019
HB-1090 is live and Colorado's cannabis industry is officially open to publicly-traded companies and out-of-state investors. Find out what we've learned so far about this brand-new system.
By Elliot Choi, Counsel; Michelle Bodian, Senior Associate Attorney; Charles Alovisetti, Partner
Nov 15, 2019
Will USDA-issued hemp cultivation licenses be transferrable? Let's dive into the USDA interim final rule to find out.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner and Caitlin Wightman, Law Clerk
Nov 8, 2019
The fourth post in our “Budding Companies: Forming Cannabis Startups” series, where we explore different issues involved in the formation of new marijuana and hemp companies. In this post, we focus on jurisdiction choice.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner
Oct 7, 2019
In addition to federal securities laws, each state and territory has its own securities laws, often referred to as blue sky laws. Cannabis company compliance with these rules may be more important due to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Sep 11, 2019
Vicente Sederberg attorneys will present a one-hour web-based CLE, "Due Diligence in Cannabis Industry Transactions," for Practising Law Institute on October 3, 2019.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner
Sep 9, 2019
The third post in our “Budding Companies: Forming Cannabis Startups” series, where we explore different issues involved in the formation of new marijuana and hemp companies. In this post, we will focus on governance, exits, and investors.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner
Sep 6, 2019
The second post in our “Budding Companies: Forming Cannabis Startups” series, where we explore different issues involved in the formation of new marijuana and hemp companies. In this post, we will focus on taxation, audits, investments and other administrative headaches.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner
Sep 6, 2019
The first post in our “Budding Companies: Forming Cannabis Startups” series, where we explore different issues involved in the formation of new marijuana and hemp companies. In this post we will focus on entity choice and taxation.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner; Jessica Scardina, Senior Associate Attorney; and Ben Leonard, Associate Attorney
Aug 26, 2019
New guidance from the Colorado MED clarifies that companies and investors can begin taking advantage of HB 1090’s more flexible regulatory structure immediately.
By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner and Sahar Ayinehsazian, Associate Attorney
Jul 16, 2019
An update on Colorado HB19-1090 "Measures to Allow Greater Investment Flexibility" and takeaways from the first legislation implementation working group.
Jun 26, 2019
Vicente Sederberg LLP advised Elite Cultivation LLC on the SLANG transaction.
Jun 19, 2019
Vicente Sederberg Attorneys Valerio Romano and Michelle Bodian will speak on cannabis and hemp at NECANN Springfield Cannabis Conference June 22-23, 2019.