On the Horizon for Hemp: Pending State Regulatory Revisions and Open Comment Periods

By Casey Leaver
May 13, 2024

In the wake of changing laws and mandates for state agencies to regulate certain components of hemp licensing and production, there are a few states on the move with rules and regulations available for review or anticipated shortly. Read this insight about Kentucky’s new emergency rules, Rhode Island’s proposed definition of “consumable,” locality control over smokable hemp sales in Virginia, and more.

Vicente LLP is Headed to Florida for the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Apr 2, 2024

Join us at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on April 16-17 in Hollywood, Florida! You can find us on stage discussing cannabis banking and business diversification and connect with our attorneys and our director of compliance during the conference.

Join Vicente LLP in Maryland for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Stakeholder Summit

Mar 15, 2024

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is hosting a Stakeholder Summit in Maryland on April 2, and Vicente LLP is a Silver Sponsor. Register now!

Casey Leaver and Steve Pemberton Slated to Discuss Company Compliance Culture at Cannabis Quality Conference in New Jersey

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.

[Webinar] Connecticut Cannabis Compliance Essentials for Operators

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.

Where Does the Texas Hemp Industry Go After the 2023 Legislative Session?

By Katelin Edwards, Andrea Golan
Aug 1, 2023

Between an unfavorable court ruling and an uninspiring 2021 legislative session, not to mention a major drought impacting all Texas crops, things were not looking good for hemp in Texas going into the 2023 legislative session. Then, many of the promising bills introduced in the 2023 legislative session were unsuccessful. Where does the Texas hemp market go from here? Read this article for four predictions from Vicente's hemp team.

Elliot Choi Joins Asian Cannabis Roundtable to Discuss SAFE Banking in the Cannabis Industry

Jul 13, 2023

Join ACR for a Roundtable Discussion on SAFE banking in the cannabis industry, specifically focusing on the impact on small and minority-owned businesses. The webinar featuring Vicente attorney Elliot Choi will be held on Tuesday, July 25th, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET.

Revisiting SOPs in Massachusetts Cannabis: A Cautionary Tale

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).

Sahar Ayinehsazian and Jen Flanagan Discuss Cannabis Banking on The Cannabis Business Minds Podcast

Apr 6, 2023

In this episode of Cannabis Minds, Jen Flanagan interviews her colleague Sahar Ayinehsazian who gives valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking services.

Casey Leaver Offers Cannabis Operator Compliance Insights on The Cannabis Business Minds Show

Apr 5, 2023

The Cannabis Business Minds Show recently featured Jen Flanagan in a four-part podcast series. Episode one focuses on compliance tips for cannabis operators from Casey Leaver. Listen now!

[Webinar] How to Run a Compliant Cannabis Dispensary in New Jersey

Mar 22, 2023

So, you received your New Jersey cannabis business license. Now what? It’s time to get on the path to success as an operational and compliant cannabis dispensary. Watch this session from Vicente LLP for a regulatory update and compliance tips to help you thrive in this highly complex regulatory environment.

[Webinar] FDA Punts CBD Regulation: What Does that Mean for Hemp Businesses?

Feb 9, 2023

The FDA decided not to regulate CBD, denied three citizen petitions requesting CBD rulemaking or other FDA action, and announced it is now up to Congress to step in. Watch this webinar and learn what this means for your hemp-derived cannabinoids business.

Financing Cannabis-Related Real Estate CLE Features Charles Alovisetti

Dec 27, 2022

In a CLE on January 12, 2023, Charles Alovisetti will offer advice on the legal and practical issues borrowers and lenders need to consider when documenting and funding a loan transaction secured by cannabis-related real estate

VS to Provide Compliance Support at New York’s First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Experience

Dec 5, 2022

Let’s connect! Vicente Sederberg’s New York compliance team will be onsite at the Bronx Dispensary Showroom hosted by The Bronx Community Foundation from Dec. 9 – 11, 2022 to lend expertise and education to potential cannabis entrepreneurs.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Now Allows Pesticide Use on Marijuana Plants

By Michelle Bodian, Casey Leaver
Dec 2, 2022

In an important policy change affecting Massachusetts marijuana operators, MDAR now allows the use of pesticides on marijuana plants, provided conditions are met.

Charles Alovisetti and FL Gorman to Present ‘Cannabis and Insolvency: Debtor Creditor Rights & Remedies Under State and Federal Law’ on NYSBA Program

Oct 5, 2022

VS partners Charles Alovisetti and FL Gorman will discuss debtor-creditor rights pertaining to cannabis at NYSBA’s virtual CRE program on October 6

Raising Private Capital in the Cannabis Industry

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

VS Team Joining Cannabis Quality Conference to Discuss Cannabis Compliance Culture and New Jersey Cannabis Regulations

Sep 28, 2022

Casey Leaver will provide helpful tips for New Jersey cannabis businesses on a panel titled, “Compliance is Key: Best Practices for Your New Jersey Cannabis Business” at the Cannabis Quality Conference on October 18.

Banking Compliance in the Cannabis Industry NHCC Legal Committee Roundtable features Jerrico Perez and Sahar Ayinehsazian

Sep 21, 2022

VS partners Sahar Ayinehsazian and Jerrico Perez will be on a LIVE cannabis banking compliance NHCC Legal Committee seminar on September 28!

[Webinar] OSHA Compliance in the Cannabis Industry

Sep 15, 2022

Watch this VS session to learn more about OSHA rules and how they apply to cannabis operations.

[Webinar] New York CAURD Cannabis Business Licensing Boot Camp

Aug 25, 2022

Watch these two sessions where our New York team dives into what you need to know to prepare for the upcoming New York CAURD licensing round.

VS Thought Leaders to Speak at 2022 New Jersey Cannabis Convention

Aug 15, 2022

Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver, Adam Fine and Steve Pemberton are scheduled to speak at New Jersey NECANN in September!

Sahar Ayinehsazian scheduled to join the 2022 PBC Conference for a Cannabis Banking Panel

Jul 29, 2022

Sahar Ayinehsazian will be speaking at the 2022 PBC Conference on September 8, 2022 to discuss financial investing in the cannabis business space

What Will Adult-Use Cannabis Products Look Like In New York? Draft Regulations Approved for Packaging, Labeling, Marketing and Advertising

By Brandon Kurtzman, Michelle Bodian, Casey Leaver
Jun 2, 2022

The NY Cannabis Control Board voted to approve draft regulations for Adult-Use Packaging and Labeling and Marketing and Advertising. Read our overview and take this opportunity to submit your public comments.

Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: April 2022

Apr 4, 2022

Update on hemp-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy hemp news and events.

Shane Pennington Slated to Present at SXSW 2022 'Cannabis Industry Evolution Summit' with Dr. Sue Sisley and Matt Zorn

Mar 4, 2022

VS counsel Shane Pennington is joining Dr. Sue Sisley and attorney Matt Zorn on Tuesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. CT for the SXSW session "Sue 'n the DEA: Breaking the 50-year NIDA Monopoly."

[Webinar] Achieving Compliance: Cannabis Facility EHS Compliance Audits

Feb 4, 2022

Watch this session to help prepare your facility and team for environmental, health and safety compliance inspections.

The Battle to Allow Smokable Hemp in Texas

By Shane Pennington
Sep 13, 2021

Texas has allowed hemp cultivation and state-based manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of hemp and consumable hemp products since 2019—but only if the products weren’t intended for smoking. This prohibition on a product with such high value for hemp farmers—and soaring consumer demand—was sure to make waves.

VS Team Slated to Speak on Three Panels at NECANN Boston's 6th Annual New England Cannabis Convention

Sep 2, 2021

Don't miss these ESG, hemp, and compliance-focused panels with the Vicente Sederberg team at NECANN Boston cannabis conference on September 10-11, 2021.

Andrew Livingston Discusses Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act on The Green Rush Live

Aug 18, 2021

VS director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, joined The Green Rush Live to discuss the Federal CAO Act and more.

A Closer Look at Colorado COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Corey Cox, Caitlin Wightman
May 24, 2021

The Colorado government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Supporting Medical Cannabis is a Political Win for Texas Republicans

By Dwight Clark, Shawn Hauser, Jerrico Perez
May 18, 2021

Championing medical cannabis legislation would likely help Republican lawmakers attract younger supporters, appeal to more unaffiliated voters, and remain competitive.

[Webinar] Preparing Your Massachusetts Cannabis Business for Inspections

May 6, 2021

Learn best practices for onsite cannabis business compliance by watching this Massachusetts-focused session.

Casey Leaver Discusses Cannabis Compliance on The Green Rush Live Talk Show

Apr 26, 2021

VS's director of regulatory compliance discusses Massachusetts cannabis business compliance on a recent episode of Pro Cannabis Media's Green Rush Live talk show.

What is a Cannabis REIT?

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.

VS Attorneys to Moderate Discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski at Luck Summit Texas Cannabis Convention

Apr 23, 2021

Shawn Hauser and Jerrico Perez are slated to moderate two can't-miss discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski on April 27 and 28 during Willie Nelson's first annual Luck Summit.

[Webinar] Common Massachusetts Cannabis Compliance Pitfalls

Apr 22, 2021

Watch to learn about the common roadblocks found on the path to cannabis business compliance.

VS Kicks Off Spring 2021 With 12 Attorney and Staff Promotions

Apr 2, 2021

VS is proud to announce that 12 members of the Vicente Sederberg LLP team have been promoted to elevated roles within the firm! Notably, 11 of the 12 promoted are women.

How to Support Responsible Cannabis Legalization Efforts in Texas

By Shawn Hauser
Mar 23, 2021

While we move closer to federal legalization, the great state of Texas remains an untapped major market—ripe for reform, but hard to move. Read this for opportunities to help bring about more responsible cannabis policies in the Lone Star State.

Andrew Livingston to Participate in Cannabis Market Economics Seminar with Informed Texas

Mar 1, 2021

On March 6, 2021, Andrew Livingston will participate in the virtual event "Economics of a Regulated Cannabis Market," presented by the nonprofit cannabis advocacy organization Foundation for an Informed Texas. 

What Efforts Are Underway to Include Cannabis Businesses in COVID-19 Relief Packages?

By Andrea A. Golan, Michelle Bodian
Jan 28, 2021

Cannabis businesses are not eligible for relief under any of the federal COVID-19 aid packages, but members of Congress and industry groups are making significant efforts to include cannabis businesses in federal aid.

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.

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.

Sahar Ayinehsazian to Discuss Cannabis Banking at DRI Virtual Seminar

Sep 3, 2020

Sahar will present "Curbing Cannabis Cash" at DRI's Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar on September 17, 2020.

[Webinar] How Can Cannabis Businesses Maximize Tax Savings During Times of Uncertainty?

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.

Sahar Ayinehsazian Talks Cannabis Banking on Hashtag Finance Podcast with Barrington Miller

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.

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.

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.

A Closer Look at Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Meg Nash, David Gately
Apr 30, 2020

The Massachusetts government has enacted several programs aimed at helping businesses and workers adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Can Cannabis Businesses Defer Employment Taxes Due to the Coronavirus?

By Andrea A. Golan
Apr 24, 2020

While cannabis businesses are not currently eligible for many federal relief programs established in response to COVID-19, they may be eligible for this form of federal relief.

A Closer Look at California COVID-19 Relief Programs

By Andrea A. Golan and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 22, 2020

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.

Coronavirus and Cannabis: Hemp Industry Updates

Apr 17, 2020

Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on hemp businesses, service providers, and consumers.

Exploring Alternatives to Bankruptcy for Cannabis Businesses

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.

Shawn Hauser Gives Federal Update in Texas NORML State of Cannabis 2020

Mar 18, 2020

Vicente Sederberg LLP partner Shawn Hauser participated in Texas NORML's "State of Cannabis 2020." Watch it here!

Big News from the Lone Star State: Vicente Sederberg LLP Establishes Texas Office

Mar 12, 2020

Vicente Sederberg LLP has been working hard for many years to shape cannabis policy reform in Texas... and now we're pleased to announce that we've opened an office in Austin!

[Webinar Replay] Taxation in the Cannabis Industry

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.

See You in Boston for CannaVest and NCIA's Northeast Cannabis Business Conference!

Feb 13, 2020

Don't miss the sessions featuring Brian Vicente, Charles Alovisetti, Ilya Ross, Jennifer Cabrera, Casey Leaver and Meg Nash. Also, be sure to meet up with VS during the event and at our pre-conference networking party!

[Webinar] How to Avoid Costly Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Compliance Mistakes

Jan 22, 2020

Learn cannabis packaging and labeling best practices for Massachusetts marijuana dispensaries during this webinar on February 12, 2020.

[Webinar] Best Practices for Minimizing Tax Liabilities in the Cannabis Industry

Dec 13, 2019

Join VS and the tax experts at Ryan LLC for a live discussion on cannabis industry taxation, including 280E and best practices for indirect tax issues in the cannabis industry.

Hope for Hemp Banking: Federal Guidance Clarifies and Eases Reporting Requirements

By Sahar Ayinehsazian, Associate Attorney
Dec 12, 2019

On December 3, 2019, a group of federal financial regulators took an important step to enable hemp operators to access banking services by publishing hemp banking guidance.

New Massachusetts Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Regulations

By David Ullian, Senior Associate Attorney; Meg Nash, Associate Attorney; Casey Leaver, Compliance Manager
Nov 1, 2019

With the release of the new marijuana regulations in Massachusetts, our attorneys created a list of some of the important amended licensing and operational topics, effective Friday, November 1, 2019.

On-Demand Webinar: Investing in the Cannabis & Hemp Industries

Oct 29, 2019

Watch Vicente Sederberg LLP attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian and HUB International Insurance Services in this on-demand webinar about investments in the cannabis industry.

Blue Sky Laws and the Cannabis Industry

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.

Can Hemp Companies Declare Bankruptcy?

By Charles S. Alovisetti, Partner; Phil Silverman, Counsel; Jason Adelstone, Law Clerk
Sep 27, 2019

One of the many issues arising out of the tension between state and federal law in the cannabis industry is whether cannabis companies can access the protections of federal bankruptcy law.

Sahar Ayinehsazian Chats with WeedWeek About the Great Cannabis Banking Thaw

Aug 28, 2019

WeedWeek hosts Alex Halperin and Donnell Alexander recently invited VS attorney Sahar Ayinehsazian to discuss cannabis banking on their weekly podcast.

Five Reasons Why Texas Could Be “The Great Hemp State”

By Shawn Hauser, Partner; Courtney Barnes, Associate Attorney; Caitlin Wightman, Law Clerk
Jul 30, 2019

Here are five reasons why Texas is positioned to become one of the top hemp producers and researchers in the US, and potentially internationally.