Texas Consumable Hemp Program Rules Are Under Review

By Daniel Molina, Shawn Hauser
Apr 9, 2024

Every four years, Texas agencies must review adopted rules and that time has come for the Lone Star State's Consumable Hemp Program. As businesses and consumers navigate the Texas hemp market, it's important to understand the rules, rulemaking process, and impending deadlines. If you participate in Texas' booming hemp market, now is the time to make your voices heard as the comment period for this rule review is open through April 22, 2024.

Florida Hemp Industry Breaking News: Legislature Passes Bill Tightening Restrictions on Hemp-Derived Products

By Sally Kent Peebles
Mar 7, 2024

The Florida legislature has passed a bill, SB 1698, that will limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products and ban the sale of products containing certain substances like delta-8 THC. This comes amid a trend of stricter hemp regulations across the US. This Insights post summarizes the key points of the new Florida law and highlights the challenges faced by the hemp industry due to evolving regulations.

Michelle Bodian to Present “Navigating the Hemp Haze: State of the Union on Intoxicating Hemp Products” at 2024 NOCO Hemp Expo

Mar 4, 2024

Join Vicente LLP partner Michelle Bodian on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the NOCO Hemp Expo in Estes Park, Colorado for her speaking session “Navigating the Hemp Haze: State of the Union on Intoxicating Hemp Products”. Register now!

Michelle Bodian Slated to Discuss Evolution of Hemp at NECANN Boston Cannabis Convention

Mar 4, 2024

Join Vicente LLP partner Michelle Bodian on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET during the New England Cannabis Convention in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center for her panel “Blink and You’ll Miss It! The Evolution of Hemp Cannabinoids.” You won’t want to miss it!

Minnesota Hemp Business Licensing and Endorsements Required From Seed to Sale Under the Adult-Use Cannabis Law

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.

[Webinar] Update on Testing in Cannabis and Hemp 

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.

Andrea Golan Slated to Address Emerging Trends in Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Legislation at HIACon 2023

Aug 28, 2023

What’s the latest with the 2023 Farm Bill? Andrea Golan will offer an update on the current legal landscape of intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoids in the US at the 2023 Hemp Industries Association Conference. Register now!

Navigating Minnesota’s New Rules for Manufacturers and Sellers of Lower Potency Hemp-Derived Edible Products

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.

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.

[Webinar] Intoxicating and Synthetic Hemp Regulations: State Legislative Session Updates and Federal Predictions

Jun 15, 2023

Watch this session replay with Vicente LLP's hemp team and regulators from Colorado and Vermont to learn more about state legislative changes and projections for future hemp product regulation at the state and federal levels.

Will Arkansas' Bold New Hemp Law Stand? A Closer Look at the Controversial Trigger Provision

By Andrea Golan, Ashley Davies
May 4, 2023

Arkansas Act 629 prohibits the production and sale of intoxicating substances derived from hemp. The act also amends the definition of "industrial hemp" and includes a controversial "trigger provision." Learn more about it in this Insights article.

INCBA Hemp Symposium Welcomes Shawn Hauser to Discuss the 2023 Farm Bill

Apr 26, 2023

Join Shawn Hauser at the INCBA Hemp Symposium on April 28 to listen to her panel, “How the 2023 Farm Bill Can Reshape Hemp and Regulated Cannabinoid Policy.” Register now!

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.

Minnesota Cannabis Legalization Bill Amended to Lessen Potential Impact on Breweries Manufacturing THC Beverages

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.

Regulating Intoxicating Hemp Products: Recent Reports and Recommendations from Vermont, Maryland, Virginia and Oregon

By Sam Kovach-Orr
Jan 23, 2023

Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, Oregon, and Colorado recently issued reports containing policy recommendations relating to intoxicating hemp-derived products.

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.

High-THC Hemp Edibles Are Dangerous and Potentially Deadly: A Cautionary Tale in Minnesota

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?

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

Will the 2023 Farm Bill Address Hemp Industry Pain Points and Public Safety Concerns?

By Andrea Golan
Oct 31, 2022

As Congress considers the next Farm Bill, hemp stakeholders and lawmakers are strongly advocating for reforms that will benefit the industry and consumers.

Is Minnesota’s New Hemp-derived THC Edible Law Discriminatory?

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.

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

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!

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

Vicente Sederberg LLP Hemp Update: July 2022

Jul 28, 2022

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

[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.

[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.

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.