Archive

A Potential Breakthrough for Psychedelic Treatments: Ninth Circuit Court Ruling on Psilocybin Rescheduling

By Jason Adelstone
Dec 7, 2023

On October 27, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Aggarwal v. DEA, held that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) must reconsider its denial of a petition to transfer psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” from Schedule I to Schedule II. Read this Insights post for more information about the Ninth Circuit Court’s order to reschedule psilocybin.

Cannabis Business Licensing Opportunities in Southern California

By Emily Hackman, Ashley Davies
Sep 12, 2023

Cannabis storefront retail and microbusiness license opportunities in Southern California have largely been few and far between. However, the City of Redondo Beach and the City of Santee are two great opportunities to expand or establish a foothold in the Southern California cannabis retail market. Read this article for a summary of the current status of each jurisdiction's application and licensing process.

Legal Guide to Decriminalized Natural Medicine in Colorado

May 29, 2023

Colorado is the first state to decriminalize natural psychedelics for personal and communal use. This guide contains information on personal use, civil protections, and Colorado's regulated natural medicine access program. Natural psychedelics remain illegal under federal law. Please be conscientious and know the laws.

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.

What You Need to Know About SB23-290, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill

By Genevieve Meehan and Sara Simons
May 3, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), made its way through the Colorado Legislature and now awaits the governor's signature. Although the bill started off with a couple of policy positions that were antithetical to the voter-initiated act, after a series of amendments and a lot of work by Colorado activists and lawyers, it seems clear SB23-290 builds off the intent of the NMHA to create a natural psychedelic ecosystem in Colorado based in equity and safety. Read this Vicente Insights post for key aspects of the bill.

Colorado Psychedelics Update: State House of Representatives Passes Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill SB23-290 with Amendments

By Joshua Kappel
May 1, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), made its way through the Colorado House and has now passed with amendments that have generally brought this bill even closer to the original intent of Prop 122! Read this Vicente Insights post for the latest updates and next steps for the bill.    

Colorado Psychedelics Update: Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill SB23-290 Engrossed, Reengrossed, and Heading to the House

By Joshua Kappel, Juliana Todeschi
Apr 25, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), has gone through the Colorado Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees and several amendments have been made. The reengrossed version of the now 91-page bill heads to the state House with a new sponsor, Representative Judy Amabile. Read this Vicente Insights post for the latest updates and next steps for the bill.    

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.

[Webinar] Psychedelic Opportunities in Oregon and Colorado

Jan 12, 2023

As states like Oregon and Colorado develop regulated pathways for people to get involved in the regulated psychedelics industry, possibilities—and questions—are increasing: What are the opportunities now, what’s next, and where? Get answers by watching this recorded session.

Oregon Psilocybin Services Releases New Proposed Rules and Public Comment Period

By Yolanda Clarke, Jamie Greenwood
Nov 16, 2022

In another exciting step towards implementing psilocybin services, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Section issued updated proposed rules under the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act this month, making significant changes to the previous iteration. Make your voices heard! The public comment period is open through November 21, 2022.

[Webinar] Cannabis & Psychedelics On the Ballot

Nov 1, 2022

The November 2022 ballot has those interested in cannabis and psychedelic policy reform on their toes. From supporting adult-use cannabis initiatives in Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maryland, to potential psychedelic reform in Colorado, there is plenty of excitement!

Colorado Prop 122: A Transformative Measure Grounded in Equity and Healing

By Joshua Kappel and Tucker Wentz
Oct 11, 2022

Vicente Sederberg LLP is proud to stand with Natural Medicine Colorado and support Proposition 122. This measure not only provides safe access to natural psychedelic medicines, but does so in a way that is grounded in equity and conscious capitalism while also protecting legacy communities and existing medicine keepers.

The Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022: A Measure to Access Psychedelic Medicine in Colorado

By Colleen Mitchell, Yolanda Clarke
Oct 10, 2022

Prop 122 would create a regulated system for adults aged 21 and older to access natural psychedelic medicine, such as psilocybin, in a supervised setting to treat various mental health conditions. It would also allow for the cultivation, possession, personal use, and gifting of psychedelic medicine for adults aged 21 and older. Read this for an overview of the proposition’s key components.

Hemp States to Watch in 2022: California

By David Kramer
Feb 7, 2022

California is hoping that this will be the year that its hemp industry emerges from the shadows and takes its place among the nation's hemp leaders. Read this article for an outline of what hemp operators should expect from the CDPH and California's hemp program in the coming months.

Psychedelics As Medicine: Right To Try Case Versus DEA

By Shane Pennington
Aug 9, 2021

In what could be a groundbreaking case for psychedelic medicine, VS counsel Shane Pennington is part of a team working on an exciting and very important Ninth Circuit challenge to the DEA's refusal to accommodate state and federal right to try laws.

Prop 65 Warning Requirements for Cannabis, THC and CBD

By Andrea A. Golan
Apr 13, 2020

In early 2020, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added Δ9 THC and marijuana smoke to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known as reproductive toxins. What does this mean for cannabis businesses?

California and the Gig Economy: The Fight Over AB-5

By David Kramer, Senior Associate
Mar 3, 2020

California employers beware: as of January 1, 2020, it is increasingly likely that any person who performs services for your company will be classified as an employee. The reason for this seismic shift is Assembly Bill 5 (AB-5).