Forming Psychedelic Companies: 10 Lessons from the Cannabis Industry

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.

CBD Products Liability Lawsuits Could Be Revived After FDA Declines to Regulate Cannabidiol

By Catie Wightman
Feb 13, 2023

In recent years, several CBD companies faced product liability lawsuits brought by consumers. Many of these cases were dismissed without prejudice or stayed until the FDA takes action to regulate CBD products. Now that the FDA said it will not take action to regulate CBD, could these cases be revived?

Recommending CBD and Hemp Products for Pets: Legal Considerations for Veterinarians

By Catie Wightman
Feb 9, 2023

With recent announcements from the FDA pushing CBD and hemp-derived products further into a legal gray area, can veterinarians recommend or sell these products for pets?

10 Key Takeaways from the Colorado Intoxicating Hemp Task Force Final Report

By Catie Wightman
Jan 17, 2023

The SB 22-205 Intoxicating Hemp Task Force's final report makes legislative and rule recommendations concerning the regulation of intoxicating and synthetic hemp products in Colorado. We compiled 10 key takeaways for hemp industry stakeholders.

Recommending Cannabis for Pets: Legal Considerations for Veterinarians

By Catie Wightman
Jan 3, 2023

In this two-part VS Insights series, we discuss the potential legal implications for veterinarians to consider regarding cannabis and hemp products. This first article focuses on cannabis products, while part two focuses on hemp and hemp-derived products.

Marc Ross Discusses the Importance of ESG Management for Cannabis Companies on Sustainable Minds Podcast

Dec 20, 2022

Marc Ross recently spoke on the Sustainable Minds: Exploring ESG and Corporate Brand podcast about the importance of ESG management at cannabis companies, his experience in the cannabis industry and more!

[Webinar] Intoxicating Hemp Regulations: Where We Are and What's to Come

Dec 15, 2022

Watch as Vicente Sederberg LLP and EARTH Law LLC discuss the regulatory approaches for intoxicating hemp in Colorado, Oregon and California, and our projections for the future

Recent FDA Enforcement Letters Signal Increased FDA Scrutiny of Hemp Products

By Catie Wightman, Michelle Bodian
Nov 30, 2022

On November 21, 2022, the FDA issued five warning letters to companies selling CBD, Delta-8, and other hemp products for humans and pets.

Guide for Shipping Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Products

By Michelle Bodian, Catie Wightman
Nov 1, 2022

Planning to ship hemp or hemp-derived CBD products? Read this first.

VS to Support and Attend Business of Cannabis: New York Summit in November

Oct 14, 2022

Marc Ross will be representing VS on a panel at the Business of Cannabis: New York Summit on November 3!

Colorado Prop 122's Historic Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Requirements

By Marc Ross
Oct 11, 2022

Colorado Prop 122, The Natural Medicine Health Act, requires that licensed entities participating in the Natural Medicine Regulated Access Program must meet specific ESG criteria.

Legal ESG Summit features Marc Ross and other Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Thought Leaders on Law Firm ESG Culture Panel

Sep 21, 2022

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) in the law firm setting is critical. Register for the Legal ESG Summit to hear VS’s Head of Impact and ESG Marc Ross moderate a panel on “Building a law firm ESG Culture“ on October 4!

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.

The ESG Threat by Shareholders and Proxy Challenges

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.

FDA Enforcement Continues Against Companies Making CBD Product Claims

By Catie Wightman, Ariane Beckman
Aug 11, 2022

The FDA is cracking down on companies making unlawful drug or disease claims about their products relating to CBD by recently issuing several warning letters to address these compliance violations.

Key Takeaways from Intoxicating Cannabinoids: The Science and the Law Webinar

By Catie Wightman, Shawn Hauser
Jun 16, 2022

We recently hosted a webinar exploring intoxicating hemp-derived products. Read this for key takeaways from the session.

New York's Proposed Sustainable Packaging Requirements: Is it Enough?

By Marc Ross
Jun 7, 2022

New York's draft cannabis packaging regulations sustainability requirements are definitely a step forward for the industry, but will it be enough? Read this article to learn more about the requirements and gain insight into options for operators.

Vicente Sederberg Releases 2021 Impact Report, Celebrates Commitment to Community

Jun 1, 2022

In VS's inaugural Impact Report, we reflect on our work over the past year, celebrate our commitment to community, and look forward to a future of positive, meaningful, and measurable impact.

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.

Cannalaw Summit 2022 Will Feature Vicente Sederberg Attorneys

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.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Partners with NHCC to Highlight Cannabis Industry Opportunities for Latinos

Apr 21, 2022

Sen. Schumer and Antonio Valdez of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council co-authored a guest column for Univision about how Latinos can benefit from the cannabis economy.

Kim Napoli Recognized as 'Champion in Diversity & Inclusion' at 2022 New England Cannabis Community Awards

Apr 15, 2022

Kim Napoli was recognized by her peers during the 2022 NECANN Conference Community Awards

VS Client Spotlight Series: Devin Alexander of Rolling Releaf

Apr 11, 2022

VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry.

[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.

VS Client Spotlight Series: Bryan Murray of Acreage Holdings

Feb 22, 2022

VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry. In honor of Black History Month, we're kicking off the series with Black leaders in cannabis.

[Webinar] Cannabis Real Estate 101: A Primer for Social Equity Applicants & Entrepreneurs

Feb 17, 2022

Watch this recorded live session from March 10, 2022. With a focus on issues related to Social Equity Operators and those new to the cannabis industry, panelists address real estate topics from the operator, investor, and legal perspectives.

A Wish for the Cannabis Industry: Net Positive, Integrated CSR

By Marc Ross
Feb 8, 2022

The cannabis industry has a golden opportunity to lead in creating integrated Corporate Social Responsibility programs that are also net positive.

Marc Ross and Kim Napoli Talk Cannabis ESG and Social Equity on 'How to Launch an Industry' Podcast

Jan 25, 2022

Vicente Sederberg LLP Impact & ESG practice leaders recently joined the "How to Launch an Industry" podcast to discuss ESG in the cannabis industry. Listen here!

[Webinar] Cannabis Accounting 101: Intro to Accounting for Social Equity Operators

Dec 27, 2021

Watch this session to learn accounting best practices for cannabis businesses and how to prepare for year-end. With a focus on social equity operators, this session will advise on risk and opportunity related to the financial side of cannabis operations, as well as how to navigate the complexities of 280E.

2014 Farm Bill Expiration: What Does it Mean for State Hemp Programs?

By Michelle Bodian, Catie Wightman
Dec 17, 2021

After several extensions, the 2014 Farm Bill is finally set to expire on Dec. 31. What's next for state hemp programs and what are the 2018 Farm Bill's notable requirements?

Join VS at NCIA's Cannabis Business Summit and CannaVest West Investor Forum

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.

ABA Global Business of Cannabis Conference is Coming to Denver

Nov 9, 2021

The American Bar Association's International Law Section will host its first annual Global Business of Cannabis Conference in Denver, Colorado from November 10-12, 2021. Marc Ross is slated to join the panel "The Environmental Impact of Cannabis Cultivation: Does Legalization Make a Difference?"

Marc Ross to Discuss the C-Suite's ESG Perspective at Upcoming Cannabis Sustainability Symposium

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.

[Webinar] Spotlight on Colorado's Cannabis Market

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.

Marc Ross Slated to Speak at Legal ESG Summit

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.

[Webinar] Growing Greener: Navigating Environmental Laws

Sep 22, 2021

Watch this session to learn the basics of environmental laws, regulations that apply to the cannabis industry, and how your cannabis business can mitigate risk against costly enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.

Kim Napoli Recognized as 'Champion of Corporate Responsibility' at 2021 NECANN Cannabis Community Awards

Sep 20, 2021

Kim Napoli was nominated by her peers for two awards at this years' NECANN Conference Community Awards and ultimately voted the Champion of Corporate Responsibility!

Kim Napoli Slated to Speak on Cannabis Activism Panel at MassCann Boston Freedom Rally

Sep 16, 2021

Find Kim Napoli on the Education Village Stage at 3 p.m. Joining Kim are Blake Mensing, Robert Jeffrey, Dick Evans and Jason Ortiz.

The Cannabis Industry’s Environmental Compliance Conundrum

By Marc Ross
Sep 14, 2021

Operators in the nascent cannabis industry have a lot to worry about on a daily basis, but compliance with state and federal environmental laws hasn’t been an issue of concern for most. That needs to change immediately.

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.

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

Jeffrey Welsh Interviews Corvain Cooper of Cannabis Social Impact Brand Brand 40 Tons on Highly Capitalized Network

Aug 6, 2021

VS partner Jeffrey Welsh recently sat down with Corvain Cooper, chief brand ambassador of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons, at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.

Jeffrey Welsh Interviews Social Impact Cannabis Brand 40 Tons on Highly Capitalized Network

Jul 27, 2021

VS partner Jeffrey Welsh sat down with Loriel and Anthony Alegrete of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.

National Hemp Month Spotlight: Hemp Paper and Plastics

By Jace Pohlman, Law Clerk
Jul 23, 2021

As part of National Hemp Month, we're highlighting beneficial ways to use hemp and hemp products in our daily lives. This post will focus on using hemp in paper and plastic materials.

NAACP to Host Free Expungement Clinic with The Color of Cannabis and Vicente Sederberg LLP

Jul 22, 2021

VS's Jason Adelstone, Catie Wightman and Genevieve Meehan will participate in a free expungement clinic to be held on July 31, 2021 in Denver.

Federal and State Overview: Regulation of Products Containing 'Minor' Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

By Catie Wightman, Jace Pohlman
Jul 13, 2021

Move over CBD; there are new cannabinoids in town. CBD has been the most sought-after and utilized hemp-derived cannabinoid in consumer products, but due in part to technological advances, various other hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBG, CBN, and CBC, are now creating a well-deserved buzz.

Marc Ross Talks ESG on Cannabis Law Report's Karma Koala Podcast

Jul 6, 2021

Marc Ross spoke with Heather Allman of Cannabis Law Report about what ESG is and why it's important for the cannabis industry.

[Webinar] From CEP to SIP: Social Impact Plans and Annual Reports for Denver Cannabis Businesses

Jul 2, 2021

Denver marijuana licensees are now required to submit Social Impact Plans as part of license renewals and applications. Watch this session to learn about the new requirements.

Environmental, Social, & Governance: The Perfect Storm for the Cannabis Industry

By Marc A. Ross
Jun 30, 2021

The growth of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measurement, benchmarking and reporting has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. When will the cannabis industry start to do it?

New Hemp CBD Laws, Regulations, and Policies: June 2021 Update

By Caitlin Wightman, Michelle Bodian, Jace Pohlman
Jun 15, 2021

Over the first half of 2021, many states passed laws, implemented, or proposed new regulations regarding hemp cultivation, processing, and CBD products. These changes range from updates to testing, labeling, and packaging requirements, to adjustments in license requirements and limits on the types of hemp-derived products that can be sold. 

[Webinar] Impact and ESG in the Cannabis Industry

Jun 15, 2021

Watch this recorded session to meet the new VS Impact & ESG team, learn more about this emerging business priority, and how to start planning and measuring your ESG practice – including Corporate Social Responsibility programs, meaningful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, environmental sustainability, and community and employee engagement.

5 Key Takeaways from the FTC CBDeceit Crackdown on CBD Businesses

By Caitlin Wightman, Michelle Bodian
Dec 23, 2020

On December 17, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission announced robust enforcement actions against companies making deceptive claims about CBD and CBG products.

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.

Selling CBD Products Online? State Retailer Registration Requirements May Apply

By Catie Wightman
Nov 16, 2020

If you are selling CBD products—even products sold exclusively online—you must follow retailer requirements in the states where you sell products (i.e., where your customers are located).