Learn More

Archive

Colorado Natural Medicine Program Draft Rules Released And Public Hearing Scheduled

By Barine Majewska
Apr 24, 2024

DORA recently presented additional draft rules for Colorado’s regulated natural medicine market to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, focused on facilitator conduct and relationships, administrative sessions, informed consent, record keeping and advertising. DORA will host a virtual public hearing on the new rules on April 26 and the Natural Medicine Division of the Department of Revenue will host a stakeholder meeting on Healing Center requirements on May 1. These are important opportunities to make your voices heard! Read this article for details on the rules and instructions for joining the meetings.

[Webinar] Licensing Opportunities in Kentucky: Medical Cannabis and Hemp

Apr 24, 2024

Are you an entrepreneur or current hemp business interested in entering Kentucky's upcoming medical cannabis market or current hemp market? Register to attend a live session on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET to receive the valuable information you need to get started. Vicente’s cannabis and hemp attorneys will dive into Kentucky’s medical cannabis and adult-use cannabinoid programs, discuss the markets and licensing opportunities, and offer best practices to help you reach your business goals in this new market.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #10.1: Legislative Update

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Apr 9, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #10.1 features Vicente LLP's review of SB 24-198, the first legislative update since the passing of SB23-290 in 2023, which implemented the NMHA.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #10: March 2024

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Apr 6, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #10 focuses on updates from the recent meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, where draft rules for Facilitator licensing and training were discussed.

Vicente Attorneys Will Sponsor and Attend Bridging the Worlds Psychedelics Conference

Apr 5, 2024

On April 18, 2024, Vicente LLP attorneys Joshua Kappel and Barine Majewska will attend the “Bridging the Worlds: The Confluence of Indigenous Wisdom and Psychedelic Science” conference at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Vicente is a sponsor of the event, which will explore the future of psychedelic research in the context of its historical and cultural significance.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #9: February/March 2024

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Mar 20, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #9 focuses on updates from the recent meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and listening sessions held by the Department of Revenue and the Department of Regulatory Agencies Stakeholder Engagement Meeting.

Colorado's Draft Natural Medicine Rules: Full Breakdown & Commentary

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Mar 5, 2024

Vicente LLP provides a full breakdown of the first set of draft rules regarding Colorado's regulated psychedelics program. The thirty-nine pages of draft rules cover facilitator licensing and training programs, representing months of work by the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and state regulators.

New Year, New Rules: Updated Oregon Psilocybin Services Regulations Now in Effect

By Yolanda Clarke
Feb 27, 2024

Oregon's psilocybin program has updated its regulations, clarifying existing rules and addressing new areas like data reporting and facilitator training. Key changes involve distinguishing between mandatory anonymized data collection and optional personal information from clients, requiring state licensing or specific exemptions for facilitator training programs, and emphasizing nondirective facilitation with support resources instead of advice. Read this Insights post to learn more about the recent rule changes for psilocybin in Oregon.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #8.1: Recommendation Round-Up

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Feb 15, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #8.1 gives context to the 123 recommendations which will form the basis of the regulated nature medicine program approved by Colorado voters in November 2022.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #8: January 2024

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Feb 14, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #8 focuses on updates on the NMAB's initial set of recommendations for the state’s regulated natural medicine program

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #7: December 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Jan 18, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #7 focuses on updates from the recent subcommittee meetings.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #6: November 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Dec 13, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #6 focuses on updates from the recent subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #5: October 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Nov 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #5 focuses on updates from the October subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

Colorado Psychedelics Implementation Update: DOR Natural Medicine Division Listening Sessions - Part 1

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Oct 24, 2023

As part of the pre-rulemaking process, the Colorado Department of Revenue's Natural Medicine Division began holding public “Listening Sessions” with the goal of gathering information from the public at large. The October sessions consisted of five, one-hour, online meetings focused on specific topics announced in advance. Read this article for a summary of the first five sessions.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #4: September 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Oct 17, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #4 focuses on updates from the September subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

[Vicente LLP Event] Minnesota Hemp & Cannabis Seminar

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.

[Webinar] Preparing for New York Cannabis Business Licensing

Sep 14, 2023

New York's adult-use cannabis licensing is set to open in the fall, and members of Vicente LLP’s New York team and a special guest from Dutchie provide answers to the “who, what, where, when and how” questions on the minds of prospective Empire State cannabis licensees during this webinar replay.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #3: August 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Sep 7, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #3 focuses on updates from the August subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board. In addition, the Department of Revenue will hold NMHA listening sessions throughout September.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #2: July 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #2 focuses on updates from the July subcommittee meetings and full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #1: Background

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #1 focuses on the Natural Medicine Advisory Board: What is the board, how does the board work, what subcommittees exist, what have they done so far, and what's next?

City of West Hollywood Community Educational Forum on Psilocybin Features Psychedelics Attorney Joshua Kappel

Jul 12, 2023

Learn about and support psychedelic policy by attending a community educational forum on psilocybin, featuring Vicente LLP founding partner Joshua Kappel, at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers on July 25, 2023. The educational forum will explore the full spectrum of psilocybin-related topics, including a discussion of past and current legislation aimed at decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms and other hallucinogenic substances.

Join Vicente LLP at Psychedelic Science 2023 in Denver

Jun 7, 2023

The largest psychedelic gathering in history is coming to Denver June 19-23 and Vicente LLP is ecstatic to sponsor the conference and welcome the global psychedelic community to our hometown. Let’s connect at the conference and the many networking events that week!

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.

Can New York’s Illegal Cannabis Dispensaries Be Stopped? Governor Hochul Proposes a Solution

By Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi
May 12, 2023

New York City has seen a proliferation of illicit and unregulated cannabis stores since the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act was signed into law on March 31, 2021. To date, enforcement efforts have been limited; however, that could all change with the passage of the Governor’s 2024 budget. Read this article to learn key aspects of the budget provisions concerning the illicit cannabis market.

Revised New York Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations: What You Need to Know

By Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi, Brandon Kurtzman, Charles Alovisetti
May 11, 2023

On May 11, 2023, New York’s Cannabis Control Board voted to approve the revised adult-use cannabis regulations. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has indicated adult-use cannabis applications will open up in the fall, meaning these revised regulations will function as our roadmap. This article outlines key changes in the revised regulations.

DEA Proposes to Reschedule Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

By Michelle Bodian, Shawn Hauser, Shane Pennington
May 11, 2023

At a DEA supply chain conference last week, Terrance Boos, Section Chief, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, stated that the DEA will be releasing a rule to reschedule certain hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Buying a Ketamine Clinic: Why, How, and Risks to Understand

May 11, 2023

With ketamine being the only approved psychedelic drug for medical use, ketamine clinics offer a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the expanding market of innovative mental health therapies. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing demand for ketamine clinics and the unique regulatory considerations involved in transactions involving these businesses.

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.    

[Webinar] Equitable Access & Psychedelics

Apr 13, 2023

Making psychedelic-assisted therapy and training opportunities accessible to historically and systematically oppressed populations is essential to creating a more equitable healthcare model. But how can this be achieved? Watch this webinar for a discussion on equity and psychedelics with professionals from Alchemy Community Therapy Center.

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.

Michelle Bodian Will Discuss Connecticut Cannabis Licensing and Regulatory Updates at Xpocanna Cannabis Convention

Mar 15, 2023

Are you ready to jump into the Connecticut cannabis market? Attend this Xpocanna session with Vicente partner Michelle Bodian on March 25 for reflections on the Nutmeg State’s 2022 licensing lottery process, guidance for applying in 2023, and insight into what’s might be coming during this year from the legislature, Dept of Consumer Protection, and the Social Equity Council.

[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.

Connecticut Adult Use Sales Open: How Much Will Customers Pay in Taxes?

By Michelle Bodian
Jan 10, 2023

Adult-use cannabis sales started in Connecticut on January 10, 2023. While this historic moment has been in decades in the making, the tax collector still wants its piece of the pie. Read this for a quick recap of the applicable taxes and registration process for Connecticut cannabis retailers, hybrid retailers, and micro-cultivators, and a look at how much their customers will pay in taxes.

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.

Tax Credits Available for Investing in Connecticut Cannabis Companies

By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Nov 15, 2022

Who wants free money for investing in a Connecticut cannabis company? CT's Cannabis Angel Tax Credit Program provides a way for investors to receive a 25% tax credit against the state income tax when they invest at least $25k in an approved social equity cannabis licensee.

[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.

New York Cannabis Regulators Make the Environment a Top Priority for All Licenses

By Michelle Bodian, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 24, 2022

We anticipate New York's adult-use cannabis rules will be one of the country's strictest in terms of environmental and energy standards and best practices for water and energy conservation. Regardless of what license type you're interested in pursuing or have already obtained, you'll need to add "environmental considerations" to your mental to-do list.

New York Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Retail Dispensary Regulations Will Fast-track Licensing and Prioritize Justice Involved Individuals

By Michelle Bodian, Jennifer Cabrera, Bridgette Nikisher
Aug 16, 2022

On August 12, 2022, New York state announced the application window for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary Licenses (CAURD), which will be the first batch of adult-use retail licenses released in New York. CAURD applications will be available starting August 25, 2022 and close on September 26, 2022.

FDA Enforcement Action Targeted at Hemp-Derived Delta-8 Products

By Michelle Bodian, Shawn Hauser, Catie Wightman
May 5, 2022

For the first time ever, the FDA issued warning letters to companies selling products containing hemp-derived Delta-8 THC. Notably, this is the first time the FDA has specifically enforced against Delta-8 products. Read this for key takeaways from these warning letters.

[Webinar] Minor Cannabinoids & Trending Topics in Hemp

Apr 1, 2022

Watch this session exploring trending topics in hemp. During the session, members of our hemp team dive into the legality, regulation, and lawsuits surrounding minor cannabinoids, current federal hemp legislation, and what we expect and hope to see in the 2023 Farm Bill.

New Hemp CBD Laws, Regulations, and Policies: June 2021 Update

By Caitlin Wightman, Michelle Bodian, Jace Pohlman
Jun 15, 2021

Over the first half of 2021, many states passed laws, implemented, or proposed new regulations regarding hemp cultivation, processing, and CBD products. These changes range from updates to testing, labeling, and packaging requirements, to adjustments in license requirements and limits on the types of hemp-derived products that can be sold. 

Reflections on the 2018 Farm Bill

By Michelle Bodian, Senior Associate Attorney and Caitlin Wightman, Law Clerk
Jul 17, 2019

Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill on December 20, 2018, much has changed in the world of hemp. Here's a recap of major hemp-related developments.