Vicente LLP Psychedelics & Emerging Therapies Update: April 2024
Apr 12, 2024
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Apr 12, 2024
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
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 David M. Ullian
Feb 13, 2024
Massachusetts launched the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to aid qualified cannabis businesses disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition. Licensed businesses or applicants meeting specific criteria, like Social Equity Program participants, can access grants or loans (up to $50,000 now!). Apply online and learn more about future programs before the February 15th deadline.
Dec 19, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Nov 9, 2023
For the second year in a row, Vicente LLP partner Adam Fine has been recognized by Super Lawyers for his exceptional practice in Massachusetts.
By David Ullian
Oct 31, 2023
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s amended regulations make substantial changes to the current regulatory framework related to HCAs, Social Equity businesses, municipal equity, and agent suitability. These changes reveal a clear intent to make real progress towards achieving the goals of creating new opportunities and a level playing field for Social Equity businesses, and continuing to build a successful, equitable cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Read this article for an overview of the key provisions in the amended regulations.
Oct 26, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Oct 11, 2023
Watch this live session on Wednesday, October 11 at 1 p.m. ET. The session will feature Vicente LLP’s director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, and the firm’s Michigan practice leader, Travis Copenhaver, as they discuss Michigan cannabis market trends and opportunities that will help your business to better adapt, strategize, and navigate changing market conditions.
Sep 11, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
Sep 11, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
By David M. Ullian and Jennifer L. Flanagan
Aug 9, 2023
A new law is making significant changes to the cannabis industry in Massachusetts, particularly with respect to Host Community Agreements and municipal equity. Read this article for a high-level summary of the key provisions of the draft, amended regulations related to HCAs, municipal equity, social consumption, and suitability standards for marijuana establishment agents.
Jul 17, 2023
Jeremy Shaw will participate in Worcester Business Journal’s Cannabis Business Summit on July 20. This panel will discuss how to anticipate and adapt to the rapidly changing market so that your business is ready for anything.
Jul 7, 2023
Psychedelics and emerging therapies-related legislation, regulatory updates, events and other news from Vicente LLP.
May 24, 2023
Watch Vicente's director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston, partner Adam Fine, and cannabis industry CPA/CFE Mitzi Keating discuss the latest Massachusetts market trends and opportunities in this on-demand webinar.
May 10, 2023
Vicente LLP shines the spotlight on newly elevated partner Jeremy Shaw
Apr 19, 2023
Watch this Vicente LLP session for insights on current CRA enforcement trends and best practices for running a compliant cannabis business in Michigan.
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).
By Krissy Atterholt
Mar 30, 2023
Regulatory enforcement against Michigan cannabis licensees has increased significantly since mid-2022. Read this article for a breakdown of the number of actions, types of penalties, and categories of non-compliance resulting in enforcement.
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.
Mar 9, 2023
Join Vicente partner Travis Copenhaver and Michigan cannabis dispensary owner Mario Porter during a Rootwurks webinar on March 15 to learn the latest compliance and regulatory tips that come with running a cannabis company in Michigan.
By Krissy Atterholt
Feb 14, 2023
Michigan leads the Midwest in affording its communities local protection for psychedelic-based activities. This article gives a breakdown of notable moments in Michigan's psychedelic legislative history.
Feb 9, 2023
What’s happening in Massachusetts? Watch this February 22 Rootwurks webinar to hear a discussion on the current state of affairs for cannabis in Massachusetts, the challenges cannabis companies face, how the state is handling social equity, and the compliance and regulatory issues at play in the state.
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!
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.
By Michelle Bodian, Casey Leaver
Dec 2, 2022
In an important policy change affecting Massachusetts marijuana operators, MDAR now allows the use of pesticides on marijuana plants, provided conditions are met.
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 Krissy Atterholt
Oct 28, 2022
Complying with Michigan's marijuana packaging and labeling laws can be challenging to navigate if you don't pay close attention to the rules. If a product's packaging is not compliant, some potential remedies are available to bring the product back into compliance.
By Krissy Atterholt
Oct 28, 2022
Cannabis packaging and labeling requirements vary across markets and product types, so it’s critical that your packaging and labeling are compliant with state-specific regulations. Read this article to know what information needs to be on marijuana product packaging in Michigan.
Oct 14, 2022
Marc Ross will be representing VS on a panel at the Business of Cannabis: New York Summit on November 3!
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.
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!
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.
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 25, 2022
Brandon Kurtzman was featured in Budsfeed’s ‘How it Started’ Interview Series to chat about his interest in cannabis law, highlights of his cannabis career and offers advice for those looking to enter the cannabis industry.
Aug 19, 2022
VS is pleased to announce that 14 attorneys from national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP (VS) were recognized this week by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.
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 David M. Ullian, Jennifer Flanagan, Justin Hunt
Aug 11, 2022
Massachusetts Legislature voted to pass marijuana reform legislation that will impact the cannabis industry, particularly in terms of social equity businesses. Read more about how Massachusetts' new enactment may affect your cannabis business.
Aug 9, 2022
VS and Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency are proud to announce the first-ever New England Cannabis C-Suite Networking Sesh, a high-level networking gathering to be held September 8 in Boston.
By Travis Copenhaver
Jul 29, 2022
Michigan cannabis licensing is broken up into three steps: prequalification, municipal approval, and state facility approval. The first major hurdle every licensee must go through is the prequalification process.
Jul 28, 2022
VS partner Adam Fine is slated to participate in two sessions in the upcoming AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference on August 8, 2022.
Jul 21, 2022
Congratulations to the VS attorneys selected to the 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists in Massachusetts and New York!
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.
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.
Apr 26, 2022
VS partner Adam Fine will discuss recent case law and provide a legislative primer on the siting of Massachusetts marijuana establishments at the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts 2022 Spring Conference on May 2.
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.
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.
Apr 15, 2022
Kim Napoli was recognized by her peers during the 2022 NECANN Conference Community Awards
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.
By Travis Copenhaver
Mar 24, 2022
Michigan's MRA recently announced the Class A Marihuana Microbusiness License. This new microbusiness license differs from the original in several interesting ways, which may create a more profitable business model.
Mar 4, 2022
We look forward to seeing our colleagues, clients, and friends in person this month at the New England Cannabis Convention (NECANN)! Michelle Bodian, Jeremy Shaw, and David Ullian are slated to present in hemp and cannabis sessions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?"
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.
By David M. Ullian, Gabriel Amatruda
Nov 8, 2021
Five years in, the Commonwealth has seen the most significant growth in both the number of cannabis businesses and sales, and the market continues to expand and provide new opportunities.
Nov 3, 2021
VS partner Adam Fine is slated to participate in two sessions in the upcoming AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference on November 9, 2021.
Oct 26, 2021
Watch this session to hear lessons learned from recent cannabis EHS cases and how to avoid environmental enforcement actions
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.
Oct 11, 2021
The spread of legalization means a growing practice area for law firms. Two VS Columbia Law alumni were interviewed in this article.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Aug 20, 2021
VS attorney Michelle Bodian discusses the hemp industry's environmental challenges and opportunities in this on-demand CLE from the INCBA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Jun 3, 2021
VS's director of regulatory policy will present the keynote at the June 16, 2021 Worcester Business of Cannabis Forum.
Jun 1, 2021
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly will host a webinar on June 17 featuring members of Vicente Sederberg's Massachusetts team.
By Michelle Bodian, David M. Ullian
May 24, 2021
If you’re a Massachusetts cannabis retailer who is interested in selling hemp products at your store, you're probably wondering how to comply with new guidance from the Cannabis Control Commission. This article should answer some of those burning questions.
May 6, 2021
Learn best practices for onsite cannabis business compliance by watching this Massachusetts-focused session.
May 5, 2021
Watch as we explore the stark differences and key similarities between east coast and west coast cannabis licensing.
Apr 26, 2021
VS's director of regulatory compliance discusses Massachusetts cannabis business compliance on a recent episode of Pro Cannabis Media's Green Rush Live talk show.
Apr 22, 2021
Watch to learn about the common roadblocks found on the path to cannabis business compliance.
Apr 5, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti recently talked about his book 'The Cannabis Business' with host Bethany Moore on NCIA's cannabis industry podcast
Mar 29, 2021
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring local, state, and federal responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how they may impact cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers.
By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 19, 2021
VS partner Charles Alovisetti outlines six regulatory considerations cannabis investors and operators should keep in mind when thinking about court-supervised transfers of control of a cannabis business in this article published by Marijuana Venture.
Jan 13, 2021
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission released regulatory changes impacting applicants, licensees, and stakeholders on January 8, 2021.
Jan 13, 2021
Watch to learn about operational changes related to advertising and branding, white labeling, testing, agent registration, and more!
Oct 27, 2020
If you operate in the cannabis industry, chances are you’ll need to challenge a regulatory decision at some point. Watch this session to learn about your options.
By Charles Alovisetti, Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi
Oct 19, 2020
A brief history of cannabis regulation (including hemp) in the Commonwealth.
Sep 3, 2020
Jennifer will present "Litigation is Coming! What Cannabis Businesses Need to Know Now" at NECANN Online on September 26, 2020.
By Jerrico Perez
Aug 21, 2020
Vicente Sedeberberg LLP continues to identify exclusive licensing opportunities for our clients. With more winning merit-based applications than any other law firm in the country, our team’s work ethic, dedication, and experience can help elevate your application above the competition.
Jul 30, 2020
Watch this to hear about unique business issues in the cannabis industry, including real estate difficulties, in this interview with Rick Kaplan of NYREJ.
Jul 22, 2020
Watch this interview with Brandon Kurtzman on the CanopyBoulder Investor Hub for information on the state of legal cannabis in Massachusetts and where the opportunities lie for investors.
By Michelle Bodian, David Kramer
Jul 13, 2020
The past year has seen an uptick of hemp and CBD-related lawsuits across the country. This article explores the valuable lessons for hemp and CBD businesses to learn from a few of the cases.
Jun 25, 2020
Learn best practices and key requirements for renewing your Massachusetts Marijuana Establishment license.
By Sahar Ayinehsazian and Kelsey Middleton
May 28, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Michigan.
By Alex Lamphier
May 18, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Massachusetts.
By Jerrico Perez
May 13, 2020
Vicente Sedeberberg LLP continues to identify exclusive licensing opportunities for our clients. With more winning merit-based applications than any other law firm in the country, our team’s work ethic, dedication, and experience can help elevate your application above the competition.
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).
Apr 17, 2020
A discussion on what's going on in the cannabis industry and, of course, real estate issues in the cannabis industry.
Apr 17, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on hemp businesses, service providers, and consumers.
By Charles Alovisetti, Brandon Kurtzman
Apr 16, 2020
Since COVID-19 has limited patient ability to get in-person consultations and examinations with health care providers, how does one go about obtaining a medical marijuana patient certification?
Apr 16, 2020
Gov. Charlie Baker's ban on adult sales will remain in place, but the court's decision highlighted how it could legally be lifted and why it would help medical cannabis patients.
Apr 1, 2020
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has designated medical cannabis sales essential, but not adult sales, resulting in a total shutdown of the adult-use market. Vicente Sederberg is working with local business owners, organizations, and state officials to push for a responsible solution to the situation.
Mar 9, 2020
You received your Michigan cannabis license. Now what? Join VS and Cannabis Legal Group on March 25 to learn about how to take your business to the next level with private financing.
Feb 12, 2020
Legal adult cannabis sales in MA have surpassed half a billion dollars and raised approximately $100 million in tax revenue since they commenced in 2018. Check out our analysis of the state data.
Jan 22, 2020
Learn cannabis packaging and labeling best practices for Massachusetts marijuana dispensaries during this webinar on February 12, 2020.
By Valerio Romano, Partner
Jan 6, 2020
Massachusetts voters passed Question 4 to legalize adult-use marijuana in 2016, but, for various reasons, the actual rollout has been slow. While the first sales of legal recreational cannabis didn’t take place until two years later, the industry has grown consistently.
Jan 3, 2020
Andrew Livingston, Valerio Romano and Dan Smith will participate in the Business of Cannabis Forum on January 15, 2020.
By David Ullian, Senior Associate Attorney; Meg Nash, Associate Attorney; Casey Leaver, Compliance Manager
Nov 1, 2019
With the release of the new marijuana regulations in Massachusetts, our attorneys created a list of some of the important amended licensing and operational topics, effective Friday, November 1, 2019.
Sep 10, 2019
Adam Fine, Elliot Choi and Ilya Ross are set to speak at Cannabis Conference Boston, a full-day conference focused on best practices in the cannabis space, presented by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Jul 16, 2019
Join us on July 18th in Boston, Massachusetts for the State of Innovation Meetup: The Future of Cannabis.
May 8, 2019
Barton Morris, of counsel at Vicente Sederberg and founder of Cannabis Legal Group, VS's strategic partner in Michigan, was selected to be a member of Attorney General Dana Nessel's marijuana legal workgroup.