Crafting effective marijuana and hemp laws and regulations requires specialized knowledge that few governmental entities possess. Vicente Sederberg LLP has been working at the intersection of cannabis, law, and commerce for over a decade, and we are uniquely qualified to assist local, state, and national governments with their cannabis policy and economics needs.
VS provides a full suite of legal and advisory services to assist governmental bodies with the development and implementation of laws and regulations governing medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, and hemp, with a focus on public health and safety objectives and efficient administration. We also have an in-house Economics & Research department, which uses policy research and proprietary projection models rooted in economic theory and statistical analysis to inform regulatory policymaking across all sectors of the cannabis market.
As a leader in the cannabis policy and business communities, VS has been intimately involved in shaping marijuana and hemp laws and regulations, as well as standards and best practices for the industry. We have extensive experience identifying core legal and regulatory issues and crafting solutions that balance competing concerns and are still effective in practice. We understand where and how laws are working and how they can be improved upon, and we work with public sector clients to produce policies that are mindful of potential compliance, implementation, and enforcement issues.
Select a category below to learn more about our government and policy services.
Because each government and community is unique, our services are tailored to the individual needs of each public-sector client. We offer comprehensive guidance on a wide variety of subjects, including:
We work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify the broad range of interests that exist and to create policies that match the desires of your administration and the needs of your community. Depending on your specific needs, our assistance can be limited to providing recommendations or comments on a single draft or existing policy, or it may cover the entire drafting process from planning to passage, with ongoing advisory, analytical, and drafting services.
Our analytical services are customized to meet the individual needs of each public-sector client and provide a data-driven basis for their marijuana policy decisions. We provide a wide range of market, policy, economic, financial, and statistical research, including:
VS was founded in Colorado in 2010, and its founding partners played a key role in the state's establishment of the nation's first regulated medical cannabis market. Attorneys at VS then led the drafting of Amendment 64, which established Colorado's adult-use cannabis market; served on the governor’s Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force; and chaired many of the Marijuana Enforcement Division’s highly successful negotiated rulemaking working groups. Through working group participation and our professional relationships with prominent state and local officials, VS has continued to shape the regulations under which the Colorado cannabis system operates.
Today, our opinions are not just sought out and respected in Colorado, but in other states and even in other countries. Members of our team have:
By Colleen Mitchell, Tucker Wentz
Jun 9, 2021
Montana lawmakers recently approved HB 701, which outlines key aspects of the framework that will govern the Treasure State’s new cannabis program.
Jun 9, 2021
This week in federal court, VS counsel Shane Pennington will give oral arguments to get cannabis out of the Schedule 1 drug classification.
Jun 4, 2021
NJCI Live: Focus on Municipalities, held on June 8-19, 2021, will dive into municipal issues for cannabis in New Jersey, including zoning, buildings, licensing, and jobs.
Jun 4, 2021
VS counsel Heather Kumer will participate in the panel "What the Zone? Cannabis in NJ and the Transition to Adult Use" with New Jersey cannabis leaders on June 10, 2021.
Jun 3, 2021
VS's director of regulatory policy will present the keynote at the June 16, 2021 Worcester Business of Cannabis Forum.
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
May 24, 2021
Read the memo VS delivered to the International Narcotics Control Board, which gives draft guidelines on control requirements for medical and scientific cannabis and discusses the implications and important issues for consideration.
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).
May 4, 2021
Colorado Law Executive Education and CU Leeds School of Business are offering an online Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy on Fridays during June 2021. The academy will tackle many cannabis business issues, including leadership, financing, regulations, markets, and more!
Apr 30, 2021
Josh Kappel recently chatted with host Bruce Eckfeldt about the beginnings of his work in cannabis law and advocacy, as well as what he's doing now and thoughts for the future.
Apr 23, 2021
Shawn Hauser and Jerrico Perez are slated to moderate two can't-miss discussions with Beto O'Rourke and Joe Jaworski on April 27 and 28 during Willie Nelson's first annual Luck Summit.
Apr 19, 2021
Christian Sederberg and Barine Majewska will speak on cannabis law and psychedelics during the Cannalaw Summit on May 6, 2021.
Apr 9, 2021
Watch this presentation for a look into the new law, how it will be implemented, and the opportunities it will create for businesses and individuals.
Mar 29, 2021
An updated overview and FAQ of the federal stimulus bills for coronavirus, with specific guidance for marijuana, hemp and ancillary businesses.
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 Shawn Hauser
Mar 23, 2021
While we move closer to federal legalization, the great state of Texas remains an untapped major market—ripe for reform, but hard to move. Read this for opportunities to help bring about more responsible cannabis policies in the Lone Star State.
Mar 19, 2021
VS partner Brian Vicente discusses cannabis policy reform and state and federal legalization in this episode of In the Weeds with Jimmy Young podcast.
Mar 11, 2021
Jennifer Cabrera will join leaders from Armanino LLP, Mammoth Distribution, and Reed Smith LLP for a cannabis interstate trade trends and insights fireside chat on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 12 p.m. PT.
Mar 5, 2021
NJCI Live will offer a deep dive into the current landscape of cannabis in New Jersey and best business practices in all areas of the industry.
Feb 26, 2021
VS's director of economics and research featured on Episode 346 - Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
Feb 12, 2021
VS's director of economics and research featured on Episode 344 - As Goes the Senate
Feb 10, 2021
VS partner Sally Kent Peebles will discuss adult-use cannabis legalization in Florida with a Florida State Senator and State Representative.
Feb 4, 2021
A look into cannabis legalization, markets, and opportunities in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
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.
Jan 22, 2021
VS counsel Elliot Choi will moderate a panel with two of Governor Cuomo's top officials working on cannabis policy issues.
Jan 13, 2021
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission released regulatory changes impacting applicants, licensees, and stakeholders on January 8, 2021.
By Charles Alovisetti, Corey Cox, Justin Johnson, Andrew Livingston, Jessica Scardina, Jordan Wellington, Catie Wightman
Jan 11, 2021
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Colorado.
Dec 29, 2020
The article, titled "Nation's Top Cannabis Lawyer to Head Industry's Leading Trade Group," discusses Christian's path to cannabis law and delves into the Cannabis Trade Federation's main priorities.
Dec 23, 2020
Updates on proposed reforms, 2021 cannabis and hemp bills, new metrc restrictions, and branded merchandise guidance.
By Jennifer Cabrera
Dec 22, 2020
With its plan to regulate and tax adult-use cannabis sales underway, the Garden State is easily positioned to be the East Coast’s cannabis leader in sales and regulatory practices that support and promote small, locally-owned businesses and equitable ownership.
By Andrew Livingston, Shawn Hauser, Dwight Clark, Mason Tvert
Dec 18, 2020
This VS white paper explains why the current medical marijuana program is falling short and how policymakers can improve patient access, treatment outcomes, and the health of the program. It also explores how such changes would impact the medical cannabis market.
By Kelsey Middleton
Dec 2, 2020
A recent ruling determined that the Bureau of Cannabis Control exceeded its rulemaking authority by allowing any advertising to be seen on interstate highways and state highways crossing the California border.
By Shawn Hauser
Dec 1, 2020
This week marks a historic milestone in cannabis policy as both the United Nations and the U.S. House of Representatives consider modernizing prohibitionist cannabis laws.
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 1, 2020
For our 10th anniversary, we take a look back at VS's history of leadership in cannabis law, the marijuana and hemp industries, and drug policy reform.
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 1, 2020
Read the memo VS delivered to the International Narcotics Control Board, which contests current international controls of CBD preparations and discusses the potential impacts of reform.
Nov 20, 2020
Returning guest Steve Fox of VS Strategies joins hosts Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston to talk about cannabis's winning sweep in the 2020 elections, including a discussion of the results left to be settled.
Nov 19, 2020
Watch this session for an informed look at the opportunities and other realities of operating in the cannabis industry post-election.
By Andrea Golan, Kelsey Middleton
Nov 18, 2020
On Election Day 2020, Californians voted on a remarkable number of cannabis-related ballot measures—39 to be exact. Of those, only six were rejected by voters.
By Charles Alovisetti, Sahar Ayinehsazian, Andrea Golan
Nov 5, 2020
The coronavirus and efforts to contain it have led to changes in the regulatory landscape and consumer behavior that are likely to shape the cannabis industry moving forward. In spite of COVID-19, or perhaps because of it, the cannabis industry is thriving, and will continue to do so as long as demand remains strong and operators adhere to the rules and regulations designed to keep consumers and employees safe.
By Charles Alovisetti, Tucker Wentz
Oct 30, 2020
Montana is voting on two related adult-use ballot initiatives in the general election, one constitutional and one statutory
By Charles Alovisetti and Kimura Mercer
Oct 30, 2020
South Dakota has two cannabis ballot measures this fall: one legalizing medical marijuana and one legalizing adult-use marijuana.
Oct 30, 2020
Brian Vicente weighs in on the challenges and opportunities of helping those who’ve been unfairly targeted by the War on Drugs on episode 93 of the Brave New Weed podcast.
By Jerrico Perez and Jason Adelstone
Oct 29, 2020
On November 3, 2020, Arizona voters will again vote to legalize an adult-use marijuana program, four years after rejecting a similar initiative.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Oct 29, 2020
In less than one week, Mississippi voters will have the chance to vote on and approve Initiative 65, a refreshingly comprehensive and patient-focused medical marijuana amendment.
By Jennifer Cabrera
Oct 27, 2020
This November 3, in addition to presidential and congressional elections that will have a major impact, five states have ballot measures that will legalize marijuana in some form. New Jersey is one of those states.
By Steve Fox
Oct 26, 2020
This November 3, in addition to presidential and congressional elections that will have a major impact, five states have ballot measures that will legalize marijuana in some form. This post takes a look at cannabis legalization on the federal level.
By Andrew Livingston, Shawn Hauser, Dwight Clark, Mason Tvert
Oct 21, 2020
Texas could see more than half a billion dollars in annual tax revenue and tens of thousands of new jobs if it legalizes cannabis, a VS analysis finds.
Oct 21, 2020
An overview and FAQ of the federal stimulus bills for coronavirus, with specific guidance for marijuana, hemp and ancillary businesses.
By Elliot Y. Choi, Michelle Bodian
Oct 20, 2020
With the USDA interim final rule delayed, where does this leave states for the 2021 hemp growing season?
By Charles Alovisetti, Michelle Bodian, Elliot Choi
Oct 19, 2020
A brief history of cannabis regulation (including hemp) in the Commonwealth.
Oct 12, 2020
VS partner Sally Kent Peebles was elected co-chair of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee.
Sep 2, 2020
Moderated by Brian Vicente, this fireside chat educates viewers on the Mississippi ballot initiative campaign to make medical marijuana available to patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions in Mississippi through their physicians.
By Andrea, Golan, Sahar Ayinehsazian, Tim Long, Christina Sava, Kelsey Middleton
Aug 27, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in California.
Aug 21, 2020
VS attorney Jennifer Cabrera will discuss how legalization will affect NJ municipalities in this event from NJ Cannabis Insider.
By Amber Lengacher, Kelsey Middleton
Aug 5, 2020
Participating in our democracy by submitting public comments is just one of the effective ways we can make a difference in regulatory policy and help contentious issues, like cannabis, gain legitimacy in the eyes of society.
Jul 21, 2020
Learn about efforts being made by Agricultural Hemp Solutions and Vote Hemp to align federal legislation and USDA rulemaking with the domestic hemp industry.
Jul 2, 2020
Colorado Representative Leslie Herod speaks with hosts Jordan Wellington and Andrew Livingston about police reform activism and how Colorado’s state legislature is approaching it.
Jun 22, 2020
Elliot Choi joined Cannabis Legalization News in a recent livestream to discuss New York’s cannabis initiatives.
By Amber Lengacher, Elliot Choi
Jun 15, 2020
While often overlooked, the Single Convention has important implications on cannabis reform, including purportedly requiring the US to maintain cannabis on Schedule I of the CSA.
By Michelle Bodian
Jun 10, 2020
As we reflect on hemp industry progress during Hemp Week, let's also take action to move this industry forward with the following vital initiatives...
Jun 1, 2020
The DEA accepted public comments on rules to enhance the cultivation of “marihuana” for research purposes in the US. View the comment from Vicente Sederberg LLP.
By Corey Cox
May 28, 2020
The CBD-based medicine, Epidiolex, was descheduled by the DEA and is no longer a controlled substance. What are the implications of this change and what, if anything, does it mean for CBD products in general?
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.
May 21, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP, VS Strategies, and Cannabis Trainers held a timely virtual discussion about the new reality and rules for Colorado cannabis businesses.
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.
May 15, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP and the Marijuana Policy Project provide an update on how COVID-19 has impacted 2020 cannabis reform efforts.
By Andrea A. Golan
May 7, 2020
The CARES Act provides many food- and agriculture-related benefits to the hemp industry to offset the immediate economic impacts of COVID-19.
By Kelsey Middleton
May 7, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Nevada.
By Sahar Ayinehsazian and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 30, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Illinois.
By Amber Lengacher, Corey Cox, Shawn Hauser
Apr 30, 2020
Part 1 in a series on opportunities to shape cannabis policy. The DEA announced it will accept public comments on rules to enhance the cultivation of “marihuana” for research purposes in the US. Now's your chance to be heard!
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).
By Elliot Choi, Jennifer Cabrera, and Jacob Setton
Apr 29, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in New York.
Apr 28, 2020
VS founding partner Josh Kappel recently discussed cannabis business eligibility for CARES Act programs with Marijuana Business Daily
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.
By Andrea A. Golan and Kelsey Middleton
Apr 22, 2020
Apr 20, 2020
Shawn Hauser and Dwight Clark talked about SBA loans for cannabis businesses and political advocacy during Texas NORML's 420 Stream-A-Thon.
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.
By Elliot Choi, Jacob Setton
Apr 13, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in New Jersey.
By Elliot Choi and Jacob Setton
Apr 13, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Pennsylvania.
By Andrea A. Golan
Apr 13, 2020
In early 2020, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added Δ9 THC and marijuana smoke to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known as reproductive toxins. What does this mean for cannabis businesses?
By Elliot Choi and Jacob Setton
Apr 13, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Connecticut.
By Alex Lamphier
Apr 10, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Maine.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Apr 8, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Oregon.
Apr 8, 2020
Andrew Livingston talks about cannabis economics during the coronavirus crisis in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
Apr 7, 2020
Attorneys from Vicente Sederberg and Kleinfeld Kaplan & Becker discuss the hemp and CBD industry, including important FDA updates in this webinar replay.
Apr 7, 2020
Watch the replay of this discussion on federal financial assistance and lending available for hemp and CBD businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Apr 2, 2020
Josh Kappel discusses COVID-19 stimulus packages and the impact on the cannabis industry in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
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.
By Sally Kent Peebles
Apr 1, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Florida.
Apr 1, 2020
Watch this interactive discussion with the nation’s leading employment and cannabis industry law firms, Littler Mendelson and Vicente Sederberg, about the known and possible employment-related legal issues arising from COVID-19’s threat and uncertainty.
By Brett Williams and Dwight Clark
Mar 30, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Oklahoma.
By Sahar Ayinehsazian and Kelsey Middleton
Mar 27, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Washington.
Mar 27, 2020
Watch the replay of this timely discussion on coronavirus (COVID-19) regulatory updates affecting the cannabis industry.
By Kelsey Middleton
Mar 26, 2020
Vicente Sederberg is monitoring the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on cannabis businesses, service providers, and consumers in Ohio.
Mar 24, 2020
A coalition of hemp industry stakeholders, including Vicente Sederberg LLP, released a second set of new policy recommendations for officials developing federally compliant state hemp programs.
By David Gately and David Kramer
Mar 23, 2020
A summary of recent hemp and CBD news and developments in light of coronavirus and federal updates from the FDA and USDA.
By Alex Lamphier
Mar 20, 2020
Steps that cannabis operators can take to encourage physical distancing in an effort to reduce the potential coronavirus (COVID-19) spread throughout the cannabis community.
Mar 18, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP partner Shawn Hauser participated in Texas NORML's "State of Cannabis 2020." Watch it here!
Mar 12, 2020
Vicente Sederberg LLP has been working hard for many years to shape cannabis policy reform in Texas... and now we're pleased to announce that we've opened an office in Austin!
By Shawn Hauser, Partner
Mar 12, 2020
The FDA issued its first report to Congress, along with a public update regarding its progress in evaluating lawful pathways for the marketing of CBD products and considering a risk-based enforcement policy. Read the summary from VS Hemp Department leader, Shawn Hauser.
By Shawn Hauser, Partner
Feb 27, 2020
The beginning of federally regulated hemp has been marred by industry-wide concerns about an overly restrictive federal program, and what may come from the USDA review of more than 4,600 comments to its interim final rule governing U.S. hemp production.
Feb 27, 2020
A coalition of hemp industry stakeholders, including Vicente Sederberg LLP, released new policy recommendations and an updated model plan for state hemp programs.
Feb 19, 2020
VS political analyst, technical writer, and former Oklahoman, Dwight Clark, sat down with the Weed Wonks to discuss the current nature of cannabis in Oklahoma, how its MMJ legalization drastically differed other states, and how their regulatory rollout of MMJ could shape other state's legalization efforts going forward.
Jan 31, 2020
Cannabis activists in Missouri officially launched their campaign to put marijuana legalization on the Show-Me State’s November 2020 ballot. Show your support by attending an insider briefing at our Denver office.
Jan 23, 2020
Former VS licensing specialist and current compliance manager at Coda Signature, Genevieve Meehan, joins Jordan and Andrew on the Weed Wonks podcast to talk about cannabis compliance, legislation, and activism.
Jan 15, 2020
VS Strategies president Steve Fox joins Jordan and Andrew on the Weed Wonks podcast to talk about the SAFE Banking Act and the hurdles it faces in a Republican Senate.
Jan 13, 2020
Former Colorado state Representative Sal Pace joins Jordan and Andrew to talk about the history of Colorado legalization and about his work with the Cannabis Voter Project, which seeks to register marijuana-friendly voters.
By Shawn Hauser, Partner; Corey Cox, Associate Attorney
Nov 27, 2019
The FDA issued an update on November 25, 2019, reiterating its position on CBD products in food and dietary supplements. What does this mean for your business?
Nov 20, 2019
VS attorney Sally Kent Peebles was voted Chair of the Legislative & Legal subcommittee within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee.
By Charles Alovisetti, Partner
Nov 18, 2019
With a historic cannabis legislation vote approaching, let’s take a look at the current status of federal law regarding cannabis, other pieces of cannabis-related legislation that have been introduced, and what the MORE Act contains.
By Shawn Hauser, Partner; Michelle Bodian, Senior Associate Attorney; Caitlin Wightman, Law Clerk
Aug 23, 2019
Key takeaways from the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s historic hearing on Thursday, July 25, 2019, where they discussed hemp production and related issues ahead of the release of federal rules.
By David Kramer, Associate Attorney
Jun 21, 2019
A number of hemp bills are passing through the California legislature. VS Attorney David Kramer dives deeper into AB-228 and SB-153.
Jun 17, 2019
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.
Feb 28, 2019
Attorneys with Vicente Sederberg's Hemp and Cannabinoids Practice Group played a leading role in producing the American Hemp Campaign's model plan for state hemp programs, which will guide policymakers in the development of regulatory regimes governing hemp production across the U.S.
Dec 13, 2018
The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval Wednesday (368-47) to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, known as the farm bill, which includes historic provisions that explicitly legalize the production of hemp and establish a regulatory framework for the U.S. hemp industry. The legislation, which was approved by the Senate yesterday (87-13), is now headed to President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law before the end of the week.
Jan 4, 2018
Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a memo to U.S. attorneys today announcing he has rescinded all previously issued Justice Department guidance concerning marijuana policy.
