Jun 10, 2024
Minnesota CLE is hosting its annual 2024 Cannabis Law Conference on Wednesday, July 31 in Minneapolis. The event features Vicente attorneys Jason Tarasek, Carl Werner, and Andrea Golan. Register now!
By David Ullian, Tim Callahan
Jun 5, 2024
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is now issuing formal Requests for Information and Notices of Deficiency to license applicants, licensees, and host communities, and is requesting the submission of a compliant HCA or HCA Waiver. This process could cause delays in the initial application, license renewal, and final licensure processes. Learn more about the HCA reviews and how to request a license renewal extension in this Vicente Insights article.
Jun 3, 2024
Join Vicente LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7-8 for the inaugural Hemp Beverage Conference and Festival, hosted by the Hemp Beverage Alliance! Partner Michelle Bodian will participate in a panel offering state updates on hemp regulations, the farm bill and more at the conference. The festival will be held the following day, and Vicente attorneys Jason Tarasek and Michelle Bodian will attend. Schedule a meeting with us!
May 30, 2024
Watch this update on the implementation of Minnesota's cannabis market, where members of Vicente’s Minnesota team discuss the process so far, dive into key updates from the newly adopted legislation, examine upcoming licensing opportunities, and offer best practices for preparing to enter or expand into this market
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 Colleen Mitchell, Yolanda Clarke
May 20, 2024
Key updates to Minnesota's cannabis program under the OCM Bill include a lottery licensing process for social equity applicants in the Summer of 2024, early-start cultivation, new social equity criteria for military veterans and small farmers, and license caps on certain licenses.
May 16, 2024
Will you be in Minneapolis for the CANNRA 2024 External Stakeholder Meeting? Several members of the Vicente LLP team will be in attendance! Senior associate Jason Adelstone will discuss international considerations during the closing plenary on June 5, and partners Adam Fine and Michelle Bodian, director of regulatory policy Jen Flanagan, and counsel Jason Tarasek will also be in attendance!
May 9, 2024
Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek was invited to provide his insights on the future of cannabis in public health during the 2024 Public Health Institute at the University of Minnesota on May 21.
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!
By Shawn Hauser
May 7, 2024
Vicente LLP partner Shawn Hauser argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that the federal decision to reschedule cannabis is “a historic and critically important shift”—with the government “finally (and officially) recognizing the efficacy and safety of cannabis for medical use.”
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 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.
Apr 26, 2024
On May 2, Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek will provide a 2024 cannabis law update for those attending the “2024 Solo and Small Firm Summit”, hosted by Minnesota Women Lawyers.
Apr 17, 2024
Jason Tarasek, counsel at Vicente LLP, will participate in a "Cannabis Update" panel at the 2024 Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association’s Annual Conference on April 21. Register now!
Apr 3, 2024
On Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m., Lucky Leaf Expo participants will have the chance to listen to Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek share his insights on how to set up a cannabis business in Minnesota’s newly formed adult-use recreational cannabis market. Register now!
By Andrea Golan, Genevieve Meehan
Apr 1, 2024
For years, the efficacy of cannabis lab test results has been widely discussed across the California cannabis industry due to inflated potency test results and inconsistencies in results due to labs using different methodologies for testing cannabis. This has changed with the implementation of lab testing standardization.
Mar 15, 2024
The Minnesota Festival and Events Association (MNFEA) is holding its annual conference March 20-22 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The conference offers educational sessions on current and future challenges in the event industry. One session, "The Legalization of Cannabis & Events," features cannabis lawyer Jason Tarasek. Register now!
By Jason Tarasek, Yolanda Clarke
Mar 12, 2024
Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a bill to reshape the state's adult-use cannabis market, prioritizing social equity business applicants. The bill would grant social equity applicants a head start through temporary licenses allowing them to prepare for full licensure. This Insights post highlights social equity applicant criteria, limits on the total number of cannabis business licenses, and additional details to this recently introduced bill.
By David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Mar 7, 2024
This Insights post provides an overview of recent changes impacting Massachusetts cannabis businesses. We break down the new Model Host Community Agreement (HCA), explaining its purpose, usage, and accessibility. Additionally, we explore the updated application and renewal processes, highlighting the mandatory inclusion of compliant HCAs or waivers. This blog serves as a valuable resource for both new and existing cannabis businesses seeking to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Massachusetts.
By Jason Tarasek
Feb 2, 2024
Minnesota dispensaries could be a reality by summer! The OCM unveiled an ambitious plan to speed up the launch, proposing temporary regulations and licensing reforms. Focusing on social equity, product availability, and education, they are streamlining the process by removing initial premise requirements, local government involvement, and even suggesting a new social equity classification. Read this Insights post for the latest update on Minnesota’s cannabis business regulations.
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.
Jan 3, 2024
Jason Tarasek will take the stage at the 2024 Annual Appellate Practice Institute on February 23 for a panelist discussion covering Minnesota cannabis regulatory framework issues on appeals, as well as the impact on criminal law and expungements.
By Andrea Golan
Dec 19, 2023
In our second blog in a series of Vicente Insights discussing hemp regulation under the new Minnesota Cannabis Law, we break down Minnesota’s regulation of “synthetic cannabinoids” including how they are defined, when they can be used, and whether the rules for synthetic cannabinoids differ for cannabis and hemp.
By Andrea Golan
Nov 16, 2023
In this first post in a series of Vicente Insights discussing hemp regulation under the new Minnesota cannabis law, we will dive into the licenses and endorsements required to cultivate, process, manufacture, transport, and sell hemp ingredients and hemp products.
Nov 2, 2023
Watch as panelists address the current lab testing and compliance issues in the industry, testing standards across the country, and the importance of reliable testing.
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.
By David M. Ullian, Gabriel Amatruda
Oct 5, 2023
Public support for medical cannabis in North Carolina is quite strong and despite being one of only a few states that have legalized medical or adult use, cannabis is finally making headway in the Tar Heel State. Read this article to learn about recent cannabis and hemp developments in NC, including legislation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ vote to legalize adult-use cannabis.
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.
Sep 29, 2023
Join Jason Tarasek, Michelle Bodian and Yolanda Clarke during Minnesota CLE’s webcast series on October 10 and October 17 for insights and updates on Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp industry.
Sep 21, 2023
Join Casey Leaver and Stephen Pemberton at the Cannabis Quality Conference on October 18! Casey and Steve will discuss creating a culture of compliance to help your cannabis operation thrive.
Sep 18, 2023
Join the Vicente LLP team in Minneapolis for another can’t-miss hemp and cannabis legal and business seminar on October 19, 2023. The event will feature Vicente LLP hemp and cannabis business attorneys Michelle Bodian, Travis Copenhaver, Jeremy Shaw and Jason Tarasek, along with special guests Sen. Lindsey Port and cannabis accountant Angela L’Esperance of Ms. Jane Accounting.
By Andrea Golan
Aug 23, 2023
Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis law makes some significant changes to the state's existing rules governing the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Read this article for information on some of the most notable changes, including seller registration requirements, prohibited products, and cannabinoid serving limits.
Aug 17, 2023
So, you received your provisional Connecticut cannabis license or just renewed your final license. Now what? It’s time to get on the path to success as an operational and compliant cannabis operator.
Aug 1, 2023
Vicente attorney Jason Tarasek was recently selected to the 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list for his work in cannabis law. Congratulations, Jason!
By Colleen Mitchell
Jul 31, 2023
Interested in applying for a Minnesota cannabis license? Now is the time to get involved in the initial rulemaking process, identify where you’d like to operate, and begin engaging with leaders and business owners in those communities.
By Genevieve Meehan, Emily Hackman
Jul 26, 2023
As cannabis markets mature, regulatory agencies typically increase compliance enforcement through inspections and audits. It has become increasingly clear that The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has shifted toward increased and escalated enforcement and heightened license application scrutiny. Learn more about this shift and review the updated OMMA inspection forms by reading this Insights article.
Jul 11, 2023
What Can Minnesota Expect from Cannabis Legalization? On July 26, 2023, Jason Tarasek of cannabis law firm Vicente LLP and Josh Maslowski of Stigma will discuss the compelling aspects of legalization in Minnesota and what we can expect from the state's future legal retail cannabis market.
Jun 28, 2023
Vicente attorneys Jason Tarasek, Sahar Ayinehsazian and Yolanda Clarke will discuss what the new cannabis laws mean for the future of Minnesota’s cannabis industry during the 2023 Minnesota Cannabis Law Conference on July 31, 2023
Jun 28, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session, where cannabis training and compliance experts from Vicente, Cannabis Trainers and Rootwurks will discuss the gold standards for cannabis employee training and the most common (and costly) compliance pitfalls they’ve seen across the industry.
By Travis Copenhaver
Jun 22, 2023
While the state of Minnesota's study on the expected size and growth of the state's cannabis industry will not be complete until January 15, 2025, Vicente LLP's Economics & Research Department recently made some general predictions about the market. Read this Insights article to dive into the numbers.
May 31, 2023
Join us in Minneapolis on June 14 for a can’t-miss cannabis legal and business seminar!
By Krissy Atterholt
May 30, 2023
Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis bill was signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz on May 30, making The North Star State the 23rd to legalize cannabis. Read this insights article to learn more about the law, including who will oversee cannabis regulation, available license types, and licensing considerations.
May 25, 2023
Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that leading Minnesota cannabis attorney Jason Tarasek will join Vicente LLP as counsel on June 1, 2023. His Minnesota Cannabis Law practice will become Vicente’s new Minneapolis office and continue to service its new and current clients as the firm expands operations across Minnesota and the surrounding region.
By Jerrico Perez
May 22, 2023
Opportunities for growth across the nation are currently abundant for cannabis businesses, and our experienced team is here to help you navigate these increasingly complex and competitive licensing processes. With more winning merit-based applications than any other law firm in the country, our team’s work ethic, dedication, and experience will help elevate your application above the competition and set your business up for long-term success.
By Krissy Atterholt
Apr 11, 2023
Read this article for a breakdown of some of the powers that local governments in Minnesota would have over cannabis retail operations should the adult-use legalization bill Senate File 73 pass.
By Casey Leaver
Apr 10, 2023
The Massachusetts cannabis employee data breach made public last month by the Cannabis Control Commission, combined with recent announcements about the Commission’s “secret shopper” program and an increase in unannounced inspections at licensed facilities, presents a trifecta of reminders for marijuana establishments to revisit their standard operating policies and procedures (SOPs).
By Krissy Atterholt, Jason Tarasek
Mar 22, 2023
Microbreweries and cideries have become Minnesota THC beverage market leaders in the wake of 2022's hemp-derived THC product bill. The current cannabis legalization bill would have made things difficult for these producers, but it was recently amended so that lower-potency hemp edibles manufacturers could produce lower-potency hemp edibles at the same facility where food (such as beer or cider) is manufactured.
By Andrea Golan
Jan 6, 2023
Minnesota hemp companies are being sued by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for selling high-THC hemp-derived edibles that allegedly contained 100 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per gummy bear and were intentionally marketed in a manner that is appealing to children. What standards may lower consumer safety risks for these products?
Dec 8, 2022
Watch this session on-demand for a discussion on the cannabis landscape and emerging opportunities in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
By Shane Pennington
Nov 9, 2022
What outcomes are possible from the impending administrative process to reconsider cannabis’s schedule I status? What are the implications of those various possible outcomes? And how should we all proceed in light of it all?
By Shane Pennington
Oct 21, 2022
To appreciate the gravity of the President’s scheduling directive and what could happen next, you need to understand (1) how the administrative process the President has set in motion will actually work and (2) how the agencies in charge have used it to affirm and reaffirm cannabis’s schedule I1 status repeatedly throughout the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970’s (“CSA”) history. Those topics are covered in this article.
By Shawn Hauser, Ariane Beckman
Oct 19, 2022
Intoxicating hemp-derived edibles are permitted in Minnesota. Is this discriminatory against medical cannabis operators? One Minnesota medical cannabis operator filed a complaint against the MN Department of Health for that very reason.
By Jennifer Flanagan
Aug 26, 2022
Jennifer Flanagan writes for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, reflecting on the Commonwealth's first major cannabis reform legislation since Massachusetts established a regulated adult-use cannabis market.