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.

[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!

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

[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.