May 9, 2024
Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek was invited to provide his insights on the future of cannabis in public health during the 2024 Public Health Institute at the University of Minnesota on May 21.
Apr 26, 2024
On May 2, Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek will provide a 2024 cannabis law update for those attending the “2024 Solo and Small Firm Summit”, hosted by Minnesota Women Lawyers.
Apr 17, 2024
Jason Tarasek, counsel at Vicente LLP, will participate in a "Cannabis Update" panel at the 2024 Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association’s Annual Conference on April 21. Register now!
Apr 3, 2024
On Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m., Lucky Leaf Expo participants will have the chance to listen to Vicente LLP counsel Jason Tarasek share his insights on how to set up a cannabis business in Minnesota’s newly formed adult-use recreational cannabis market. Register now!
By Andrea Golan, Genevieve Meehan
Apr 1, 2024
For years, the efficacy of cannabis lab test results has been widely discussed across the California cannabis industry due to inflated potency test results and inconsistencies in results due to labs using different methodologies for testing cannabis. This has changed with the implementation of lab testing standardization.
Mar 15, 2024
The Minnesota Festival and Events Association (MNFEA) is holding its annual conference March 20-22 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The conference offers educational sessions on current and future challenges in the event industry. One session, "The Legalization of Cannabis & Events," features cannabis lawyer Jason Tarasek. Register now!
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!
By Jason Tarasek, Yolanda Clarke
Mar 12, 2024
Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a bill to reshape the state's adult-use cannabis market, prioritizing social equity business applicants. The bill would grant social equity applicants a head start through temporary licenses allowing them to prepare for full licensure. This Insights post highlights social equity applicant criteria, limits on the total number of cannabis business licenses, and additional details to this recently introduced bill.
By David M. Ullian, Tim Callahan
Mar 7, 2024
This Insights post provides an overview of recent changes impacting Massachusetts cannabis businesses. We break down the new Model Host Community Agreement (HCA), explaining its purpose, usage, and accessibility. Additionally, we explore the updated application and renewal processes, highlighting the mandatory inclusion of compliant HCAs or waivers. This blog serves as a valuable resource for both new and existing cannabis businesses seeking to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Massachusetts.
By Jason Tarasek
Feb 2, 2024
Minnesota dispensaries could be a reality by summer! The OCM unveiled an ambitious plan to speed up the launch, proposing temporary regulations and licensing reforms. Focusing on social equity, product availability, and education, they are streamlining the process by removing initial premise requirements, local government involvement, and even suggesting a new social equity classification. Read this Insights post for the latest update on Minnesota’s cannabis business regulations.
Jan 3, 2024
Jason Tarasek will take the stage at the 2024 Annual Appellate Practice Institute on February 23 for a panelist discussion covering Minnesota cannabis regulatory framework issues on appeals, as well as the impact on criminal law and expungements.
By Andrea Golan
Dec 19, 2023
In our second blog in a series of Vicente Insights discussing hemp regulation under the new Minnesota Cannabis Law, we break down Minnesota’s regulation of “synthetic cannabinoids” including how they are defined, when they can be used, and whether the rules for synthetic cannabinoids differ for cannabis and hemp.
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.
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.
By Jason Tarasek
Oct 23, 2023
The Minnesota legislature has established three grant programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses and to create a more equitable cannabis industry. Read more about them in this Insights article.
Sep 29, 2023
Join Jason Tarasek, Michelle Bodian and Yolanda Clarke during Minnesota CLE’s webcast series on October 10 and October 17 for insights and updates on Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp industry.
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.
Sep 18, 2023
Join the Vicente LLP team in Minneapolis for another can’t-miss hemp and cannabis legal and business seminar on October 19, 2023. The event will feature Vicente LLP hemp and cannabis business attorneys Michelle Bodian, Travis Copenhaver, Jeremy Shaw and Jason Tarasek, along with special guests Sen. Lindsey Port and cannabis accountant Angela L’Esperance of Ms. Jane Accounting.
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.
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.
Aug 1, 2023
Vicente attorney Jason Tarasek was recently selected to the 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list for his work in cannabis law. Congratulations, Jason!
By Colleen Mitchell
Jul 31, 2023
Interested in applying for a Minnesota cannabis license? Now is the time to get involved in the initial rulemaking process, identify where you’d like to operate, and begin engaging with leaders and business owners in those communities.
By Genevieve Meehan, Emily Hackman
Jul 26, 2023
As cannabis markets mature, regulatory agencies typically increase compliance enforcement through inspections and audits. It has become increasingly clear that The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has shifted toward increased and escalated enforcement and heightened license application scrutiny. Learn more about this shift and review the updated OMMA inspection forms by reading this Insights article.
Jul 11, 2023
What Can Minnesota Expect from Cannabis Legalization? On July 26, 2023, Jason Tarasek of cannabis law firm Vicente LLP and Josh Maslowski of Stigma will discuss the compelling aspects of legalization in Minnesota and what we can expect from the state's future legal retail cannabis market.
Jun 28, 2023
Vicente attorneys Jason Tarasek, Sahar Ayinehsazian and Yolanda Clarke will discuss what the new cannabis laws mean for the future of Minnesota’s cannabis industry during the 2023 Minnesota Cannabis Law Conference on July 31, 2023
Jun 28, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session, where cannabis training and compliance experts from Vicente, Cannabis Trainers and Rootwurks will discuss the gold standards for cannabis employee training and the most common (and costly) compliance pitfalls they’ve seen across the industry.
By Travis Copenhaver
Jun 22, 2023
While the state of Minnesota's study on the expected size and growth of the state's cannabis industry will not be complete until January 15, 2025, Vicente LLP's Economics & Research Department recently made some general predictions about the market. Read this Insights article to dive into the numbers.
May 31, 2023
Join us in Minneapolis on June 14 for a can’t-miss cannabis legal and business seminar!
By Krissy Atterholt
May 30, 2023
Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis bill was signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz on May 30, making The North Star State the 23rd to legalize cannabis. Read this insights article to learn more about the law, including who will oversee cannabis regulation, available license types, and licensing considerations.
May 25, 2023
Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that leading Minnesota cannabis attorney Jason Tarasek will join Vicente LLP as counsel on June 1, 2023. His Minnesota Cannabis Law practice will become Vicente’s new Minneapolis office and continue to service its new and current clients as the firm expands operations across Minnesota and the surrounding region.
By Jerrico Perez
May 22, 2023
Opportunities for growth across the nation are currently abundant for cannabis businesses, and our experienced team is here to help you navigate these increasingly complex and competitive licensing processes. With more winning merit-based applications than any other law firm in the country, our team’s work ethic, dedication, and experience will help elevate your application above the competition and set your business up for long-term success.
By Jen Flanagan, Meg Nash, Sam Kovach-Orr
Apr 12, 2023
Roughly two months after the introduction of cross-filed bills relating to regulating adult-use cannabis in Maryland, HB556 and SB516, the General Assembly passed a final version of the bill and sent it to Gov. Wes Moore for his signature. Read this article for highlighted proposed provisions affecting current and future licenses, including license types and timelines.
By Krissy Atterholt
Apr 11, 2023
Read this article for a breakdown of some of the powers that local governments in Minnesota would have over cannabis retail operations should the adult-use legalization bill Senate File 73 pass.
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).
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.
Apr 6, 2023
Brian Vicente shares cannabis industry insights on The Cannabis Minds Show’s podcast series co-hosted by Vicente LLP’s Jen Flanagan.
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!
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.
Mar 2, 2023
Register to hear Jennifer Flanagan, David Ullian, Meg Nash, Sam Kovach-Orr, and Steve Pemberton discuss Massachusetts hiring plans, business opportunities, and cannabis delivery at NECANN!
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?
Dec 8, 2022
Watch this session on-demand for a discussion on the cannabis landscape and emerging opportunities in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
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.
By Jen Flanagan, Sam Kovach-Orr, Meg Nash, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 16, 2022
Widespread support for allowing cannabis retail sales in Rhode Island municipalities significantly expands opportunities for potential applicants seeking to obtain one of the 24 cannabis retail licenses expected to be available in 2023. Read this article for insight into what to expect next and how to prepare.
By David Ullian, Jennifer Flanagan
Nov 2, 2022
This Bloomberg Law article by David Ullian and Jen Flanagan explores the evolution of the Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry and how lawmakers, regulators, and industry advocates contributed to key recent legislative and regulatory developments.
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.
By Jennifer Flanagan
Aug 26, 2022
Jennifer Flanagan writes for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, reflecting on the Commonwealth's first major cannabis reform legislation since Massachusetts established a regulated adult-use cannabis market.
Aug 19, 2022
Massachusetts Legislature recently voted to pass marijuana reform legislation that will impact the cannabis industry in significant ways, particularly with respect to social equity. Watch this for an overview of the new law and insights into how it might impact your business.
By Jen Flanagan
Aug 4, 2022
One of the most overlooked components of applying for a cannabis license is the importance of interacting with your local and state officials. In this article, former cannabis regulator Jen Flanagan offers some guidance on building rapport with elected officials and government employees.
By Jen Flanagan
Jun 16, 2022
CANNRA recently convened the first-ever External Stakeholders Meeting in Seattle, Washington. VS's Jen Flanagan recalls her experience at the event in this blog post.
By Jen Flanagan
Mar 9, 2022
Utilizing these tips can make a world of difference in your interaction with local and state governments.
By Jennifer Cabrera, Jen Flanagan
Jan 29, 2022
This LexisNexis practice note offers a greater understanding of the varied processes that impact the legalization of cannabis at the state level and discusses how evolving state statutes and regulatory structures impact the adult-use cannabis industry.
Sep 17, 2021
Based on lessons learned from other New England states and exploring Vermont’s own legislation for a legal retail market, keynote presentations, panels and workshops will provide an opportunity to explore community-based education, policy development, youth messaging and other topics to implement at the regional or local level.
Jun 24, 2021
Local leaders in New Jersey learned about municipal cannabis policy, land use, and zoning from VS in a recent working session.