Cannabis and the Legal Industry: New Rules, New Risks, New Opportunities
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Cannabis and the Legal Industry: New Rules, New Risks, New Opportunities

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October 03, 2019

Higher Law: Getting 'Comfortable' on the Plant-Touching Side | Meet Dykema's Cannabis Team | Revolving Door? You Bet | Who Got the Work

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck's cannabis practice. Dykema's take on Illinois and Michigan. Nevada's new cannabis regulator. The revolving cannabis door in California.
9 minute read
September 13, 2019 | Podcast

Inside Quinn Emanuel's Plan to Dominate Cannabis Litigation

As players in the fledging industry grow, their business disputes are going to land in court. Quinn wants to be the first law firm that comes to mind.
2 minute read
September 13, 2019 | Podcast

Inside Quinn Emanuel's Plan to Dominate Cannabis Litigation

As players in the fledging industry grow, their business disputes are going to land in court. Quinn wants to be the first law firm that comes to mind.
2 minute read
October 10, 2019 | Q&A

Payment Processing for CBD Suppliers: A Q&A With General Counsel Sivan Whiteley of Square

The general counsel of Square discusses what led to the company's decision to offer CBD sellers payment processing services and the challenges that go along with it.
3 minute read
October 10, 2019 | Q&A

Payment Processing for CBD Suppliers: A Q&A With General Counsel Sivan Whiteley of Square

The general counsel of Square discusses what led to the company's decision to offer CBD sellers payment processing services and the challenges that go along with it.
3 minute read
October 03, 2019 | News

FTC Opens Probe Into E-Cigarette Marketing, Demands Information From 6 Manufacturers

The Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday that it had demanded reports from six e-cigarette manufacturers about their sales, promotion and advertising practices.
4 minute read
September 11, 2019 | News

Canadian Cannabis Company Names Ex-Playboy Lawyer as General Counsel

Linda Menzel will lead the legal department at Ignite International Brands Ltd. from Toronto.
2 minute read
September 11, 2019 | News

Cannabis Technology Platform Makes Morrison & Foerster Attorney First General Counsel

Marshall Horowitz began working as the top lawyer to TILT Holdings Inc. in July. He most recently served in an of counsel role at Morrison & Foerster in Singapore.
2 minute read
September 09, 2019

Sign Up for the Higher Law Weekly Cannabis Newsletter

From banking issues to intellectual property to weed in the workplace—Higher Law delivers news and analysis that helps lawyers make smart business decisions and provide sound advice.
2 minute read
September 09, 2019 | Analysis

Mexico Moves Toward Legalization of Cannabis

One estimate puts the potential value of the Mexican market for legal cannabis at $12 billion by 2029.
6 minute read
September 05, 2019

Higher Law: Ninth Circuit Says No to Hemp Case | California CBD Bill Stalls | Mass. Marijuana Lobbying Revenue Soars

One week after hearing oral arguments, a panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit punted Big Sky Scientific v. Bennetts, the case surrounding a seized shipment of hemp, to the Idaho state courts.
8 minute read
September 05, 2019 | Podcast

Forget Reefer Madness, Pot Law Goes Mainstream

Demands from existing clients and the lure of new business opportunities have overtaken the taboo around marijuana for many major law firms.
2 minute read
September 05, 2019 | Podcast

Forget Reefer Madness, Pot Law Goes Mainstream

Demands from existing clients and the lure of new business opportunities have overtaken the taboo around marijuana for many major law firms.
2 minute read
September 04, 2019 | News

Wanted: Lawyers Open to Risk Ready to Work in Growing Cannabis Industry

Two Major, Lindsey & Africa recruiters say in-house lawyers who likely take risks work in highly regulated industries. Those are the candidates cannabis companies are looking for.
3 minute read
August 29, 2019

Higher Law: Will the Ninth Circuit Punt on Hemp? | The DEA's Plan for Better Research Weed | A Former AG Goes to Work for CBD

Attorneys for Big Sky Scientific on Wednesday tried to make the case to a Ninth Circuit panel that the company's truckload of Colorado-bound hemp nabbed by Idaho police in January should be returned under provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill.
7 minute read
August 26, 2019 | Slideshow

Top 12 Florida Attorneys in the Cannabis Field

Politicians and others specializing in everything from licensing to election law are leading the field in Florida, where a legalization vote is expected next year.
1 minute read
September 26, 2019

Lawyers' Perspectives on Historic Cannabis Banking Vote

We reached out to attorneys in the cannabis space for their views on the U.S. House vote backing a landmark bill.
4 minute read
August 22, 2019 | News

Weedmaps Changes Advertising Policy Before Class Action Suit Is Filed

The lawsuit would have been filed by the Los Angeles-based cannabis firm, Zuber Lawler, and would have sought relief under California's Unfair Competition Law. The law prohibits false advertising and illegal business practices.
3 minute read
August 22, 2019

Higher Law: Akerman LLP & Florida Cannabis Scene | Credit Union Guidance | 'Weedmaps' Changes Advertising Policy | Big 9th Circuit Argument Next Week

Catch up with an Akerman lawyer about the Florida landscape, and scroll down for the latest court action, headlines and more. Thanks for reading!
10 minute read
August 20, 2019 | News

Due Diligence, Understanding of Laws Is Important for Publishing Cannabis Advertisements

In-house counsel and their employers in publishing should focus on working with cannabis customers who comply with state and federal laws and have strong internal policies on what goes into their advertising.
3 minute read
August 15, 2019

Higher Law: Brownstein Hyatt, Bradley Arant and Cannabis Practices | A Curaleaf CBD Critique | Pot & Privacy | Who Got the Work

This is Higher Law, and welcome to our coverage of news and analysis for lawyers with cannabis-touching clients. Check out our Q&A with a Bradley Arant attorney as the Alabama firm positions itself in the market, and scroll down for Who Got the Work and quick-read headlines. Thanks for reading!
9 minute read
August 14, 2019 | Analysis

New Legislation to Regulate Hemp, Extracts and CBD

The New York State Legislature has passed legislation which, if signed by Governor Cuomo, will establish one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for hemp and hemp extracts in the country and could significantly impact the burgeoning hemp industry in New York by adding new regulatory requirements. This article provides a summary of some of the legislation's more notable (and controversial) provisions.
6 minute read
August 14, 2019 | News

Rimon Nabs 5 Lawyers From LA Cannabis Boutique

Fast-growing midsize law firm Rimon adds a five-attorney group from Los Angeles cannabis boutique firm, Frontera Law Group.
3 minute read
August 08, 2019

Higher Law: Quinn Emanuel Bets on Marijuana | A Backer for Marijuana Banking | Shaping Advertising Policies | Who Got the Work

Quinn Emanuel and cannabis. Movement on a marijuana banking bill. A southern firm's new pot practice. And a Florida lawyer's return to pot politics. Welcome to Higher Law, your home for news and analysis on the cannabis front. Thanks for reading!
8 minute read
August 08, 2019 | News

In-House Cannabis Lawyers Should Help Shape Company Advertising Policies

Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and every state where it is legal has a different take on advertising.
3 minute read
August 08, 2019 | Analysis

Update on Medical Marijuana in the NJ Workplace

Employers should be aware of developments in NJ cannabis law: a recent court decision ('Wild') involving the disability discrimination claims of a worker who used medical marijuana, and the newly enacted Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act.
9 minute read
August 05, 2019 | News

Quinn Emanuel Bets on Pot Disputes With Cannabis Litigation Practice

There's nothing mellow about the country's biggest litigation firm getting into the cannabis business.
3 minute read
September 26, 2019

Historic Vote on Cannabis Banking: Perspectives from Practitioners | A Court Rules on Marijuana Overtime | 'Marijuana Mitch' | Trade Group Lobbies Up

We've rounded up early commentary from lawyers about the U.S. House's vote embracing cannabis banking legislation. Scroll down for Who Got the Work, headlines and our calendar. Thanks for reading!
10 minute read
August 01, 2019

Higher Law: Big Law & Cannabis | New Insurance Legislation | Greenberg Traurig Vet Goes In-House | Lobbying Disclosures

Highlights from ALM reporting on how Big Law is, or isn't, chasing some of the green rush. Plus, a quick snapshot on new legislation confronting insurance in the cannabis industry. Thanks for reading!
7 minute read
August 01, 2019

Higher Law: Big Law & Cannabis | New Insurance Legislation | Greenberg Traurig Vet Goes In-House | Lobbying Disclosures

Highlights from ALM reporting on how Big Law is, or isn't, chasing some of the green rush. Plus, a quick snapshot on new legislation confronting insurance in the cannabis industry. Thanks for reading!
7 minute read
July 30, 2019 | News

General Counsel of Canadian Cannabis Company Slated to Leave Amid US Expansion

Benjamin Rootman said in an interview Tuesday that over the last year the company has been in the process of moving to California and selling off its Canadian assets. As a Canadian citizen, he said U.S. immigration laws would not allow him to work for a cannabis company.
3 minute read
July 30, 2019 | Analysis

The Uncertain Status of Food Products Containing CBD

FDA regulations may not be released for years, and some local authorities like the New York City Department of Health are not waiting and have begun to crack down on the sale of food and beverages containing CBD.
6 minute read
July 28, 2019 | Analysis

Cannabis Has Big Law Seeing Green, but the Am Law 50 Are Skipping the Party

Law firms are rushing to open cannabis practices as the industry booms, including many among the Am Law 200. Why is the top tier taking a pass?
14 minute read
July 25, 2019

Higher Law: Insuring Cannabis | FDA Warns Curaleaf | Weed in the Workplace | Who Got the Work

You've reached Higher Law, where we chronicle news, analysis and trends for lawyers with cannabis clients. Thanks for reading!
8 minute read
July 24, 2019 | Analysis

Legality of Hemp-Derived CBD: Use the C for Caution

For the businesses that wish to push forward on this uncertain landscape, cautious and strategic marketing may be the best—although not risk free—course of action.
11 minute read
July 23, 2019

Cannabis Company's Social Posts Catch FDA's Eye (And a Warning Letter)

"Failure to promptly correct these violations may result in legal action without further notice," the FDA said in a letter to Massachusetts-based Curaleaf.
4 minute read
July 22, 2019 | Commentary

High Time to Review Condominium Medical Marijuana Rules and Regulations

Due to the ever-increasing number of condominium developments in South Florida, associations, owners and residents are abuzz about restrictions and regulations preventing owners who wish to indulge in smoking marijuana in the privacy of their own apartments or on their balconies.
5 minute read
July 18, 2019 | Analysis

Unique Issues in Cannabis-Related Transactions

While cannabis remains illegal under federal law, it is imperative for owners and operators in this space to mitigate as many risks as possible.
7 minute read
July 17, 2019 | Analysis

Incriminating Expenses: Cannabis Legalization and the Fifth Amendment

In his Tax Litigation Issues column, Jeremy Temkin discusses how the conflict between state laws legalizing the cannabis industry and federal tax law precluding participants in that industry from deducting business expenses disadvantages cannabis businesses from a federal tax perspective.
8 minute read
September 26, 2019 | News

Cannabis Startup Shryne Group Hires Former Outside Lawyer as General Counsel

John Malone, an expert on corporate governance and regulatory compliance, joins Shryne as general counsel after having helped several cannabis startups navigate a complex regulatory environment.
3 minute read
July 16, 2019 | News

Justices to Hear Case on Workplace Implications of Medical Marijuana

The case raises the issue of whether an employer is required to accommodate the use of medical marijuana as allowed under the state's Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
3 minute read
July 15, 2019 | News

Report: Cannabis In-House Counsel Expect to Spend More to Keep Up With Market

Many in-house counsel, according to the report, have growing concerns over cannabis-related litigation.
4 minute read
July 15, 2019

Manatt Touts New Cannabis Practice as Firms Vie to Ride Green Wave

Manatt joins a growing list of major U.S. law firms that have announced specialized cannabis practices.
4 minute read
July 11, 2019

Higher Law: Bipartisan Breakthrough on Marijuana? | See What the 9th Circuit Just Said About State-Federal Tension | Plaintiffs Firms Circle

Welcome to Higher Law -- our weekly snapshot of cannabis lawyering, lobbying and legislating. Thanks for reading!
9 minute read
July 10, 2019 | News

Appeals Court Says Pot Law Clashes With Constitutional Amendment

The First District Court of Appeal's decision sent shock waves through the state's highly restricted but rapidly growing medical marijuana industry, in which licenses are routinely selling for upward of $50 million.
6 minute read
July 10, 2019 | Conversation

Cannabis Law and Business: Extracting Cash From Cannabis Trash

Yet, despite irrationally exuberant investment in cannabis and industrial hemp growing, processing and sale, massive unrealized early stage funding opportunity exists for tackling environmental issues including organic and hazardous waste collection, processing and disposal.
7 minute read
July 09, 2019 | Analysis

Cannabis Legalization and Employee Drug Testing: A Tricky Combination

With more states working to decriminalize or legalize marijuana use, routine workplace drug screening deserves a closer look.
6 minute read
July 08, 2019 | Q&A

Take the Due Diligence High Road for Cannabis-Related Leases

Katy Young, managing partner of Ad Astra and the current president of the National Cannabis Bar Association, recently shared insights into leasing retail space for cannabis use.
4 minute read
July 01, 2019 | Commentary

Florida's Budding Cannabis Industry Expands With New Hemp Law

According to a research report published by Cowen & Co. earlier this year, the investment bank believes that the U.S. market for cannabidiol (CBD) consumer goods could reach $16 billion—a "conservative" forecast—by 2025, up from between $600 million and $2 billion in 2018 retail sales. As the third-most populous state in the country, this is a very big deal for Florida.
7 minute read
June 27, 2019

IRS Wins Again at SCOTUS; No Safe Harbor in Bankruptcy Court; US House: Banking Update; NY's Decriminalization Move; Who Got the Work

Welcome to Higher Law -- our weekly snapshot of news, trends and analysis. Your thoughts matter to us -- feedback and tips are welcome. Thanks for reading!
7 minute read
September 20, 2019

Federal Overtime Law Covers Marijuana Industry Workers: US Appeals Court

The case has been closely watched by the marijuana industry and employment lawyers advising businesses in the cannabis space.
4 minute read
June 25, 2019 | Commentary

FDA Hearing on Cannabis Products—CBD Takes Center Stage

While the president and Congress gave hemp the go-ahead, it is now on the regulators to take the next step. The FDA has authority to regulate cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. So far, though, the FDA has not done much regulating in regards to CBD.
7 minute read
June 21, 2019 | Analysis

The 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp and Interstate Commerce

Among other things, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, unlocking a new industry that is poised to make serious waves throughout the agricultural sector and beyond.
8 minute read
June 21, 2019 | Analysis

Branding Cannabis: How IP May Unlock the True Value of the Green Rush

Branding is not a new concept, nor are the various intellectual property laws that protect brands. What is new to most is how this burgeoning industry can take advantage of those laws within the context of state and federal restrictions.
9 minute read
June 20, 2019

Higher Law: Congress Asks: Help for Pot Startups? | Dispensary's New Tax Fight | The Latest from New York | Who Got the Work

We're closely watching the next steps in an Oakland dispensary's tax fight. Plus: NY's cannabis legislative effort fizzles. Scroll down for Who Got the Work. Thanks for reading!
7 minute read
June 20, 2019 | Analysis

Banking the Marijuana Business: Legal or Not?

Due to marijuana's illegality under federal law, any financial institution that provides banking services to a marijuana related business is engaging in money-laundering. Those banks that have chosen to work with the marijuana industry have been operating under a semi-official set of rules.
9 minute read
June 20, 2019 | Analysis

Incorporating Social Justice Reform Into Legalization Laws

In the area of social justice reform, legislators attempted to take steps to address the significant impacts for thousands of New Jerseyans who have been arrested and convicted of minor cannabis-related offenses.
7 minute read
June 19, 2019 | Analysis

CBD Use in Consumer Products Under the Farm Bill and NJ Law

The lack of guidance at a federal level represents a situation whereby businesses in the cannabis industry should proceed with caution.
7 minute read
June 19, 2019 | Analysis

Expansion of Medicinal Marijuana Is in NJ's Future, but Adult Use May Not Be

Despite the constant political movement surrounding the medicinal marijuana program, New Jersey can certainly expect a change in the landscape that will provide increased access to the patient population served by the program.
9 minute read
June 18, 2019 | News

Cannabis Information Company Leafly Hires First General Counsel

Before coming to Leafly, Yoko Miyashita worked in-house at Getty Images from 2005 to this year where she served as director of corporate counsel, deputy general counsel and general counsel.
2 minute read
June 13, 2019

Cannabis Company Harvest Health & Recreation Names New General Counsel

Nicole Stanton has been named the general counsel of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. She will begin her new job June 24.
3 minute read
September 19, 2019

Higher Law: Vaping Vexation | Quinn Emanuel's Cannabis Practice | Wilmer Cutler's Big Deal Assist | Big Political Dollars from the Cannabis Industry

Seth Goldberg of Duane Morris talks with Higher Law -- welcome! -- about some observations about vaping and liability. Plus: check out our new podcast with a Quinn Emanuel partner about cannabis cases. And scroll down for Who Got the Work. Thanks for reading!
10 minute read
June 13, 2019

Higher Law: In-House Perspective: Leaving Groupon for the Green Rush | A Hemp Litigant Finds a Friend in USDA | Who Got the Work

An in-house lawyer tells us why she jumped into the green rush, and a hemp company fighting in the Ninth Circuit hopes a new USDA guidance memo benefits it. Welcome to Higher Law -- and thanks for reading!
9 minute read
June 12, 2019 | News

Ex-Groupon Lawyer Discusses Decision to Join Cannabis Company

Alissa "Ali" Jubelirer, general counsel of Revolution Enterprises, describes her new position as a "big undertaking. For me, I'll have to get up to speed very quickly on the regulatory framework for each state and make sure that we have processes and policies in place so that we're complying."
6 minute read
June 11, 2019 | News

Board of Medicine Signs Off on Medical Marijuana Changes

The board agreed to change its medical-marijuana rules so that physicians can certify that the benefits of smoking marijuana for medical use outweigh the risks.
4 minute read
June 10, 2019 | Commentary

Medical Marijuana and Child Custody

If Texas legalizes marijuana, courts and family law practitioners should not presume parents are negligent or endangering their child if they are consuming marijuana as authorized.
5 minute read
June 05, 2019 | News

SEC Takes Cannabis Company to Court Seeking Documents

The SEC is investigating allegations that the co-founder of Covalent Collective may have "violated the registration provisions of the securities laws in an unregistered offering of securities" and "made misleading representations to investors and potential investors about the operations, acquisitions, and projected stock price."
3 minute read
June 05, 2019 | Q&A

Starting Young: A Q&A With John Moynan, General Counsel at Organa Brands

The GC started working at Organa Brands in 2014 as an intern under the company's then-general counsel while he was finishing up his law degree. Two years later, he was asked to become the top lawyer when the company was still private.
4 minute read
June 05, 2019 | News

Sheppard Mullin Bets on Cannabis With New 70-Lawyer Practice Group

Practice leader Whitney Hodges said the firm, with 40 cannabis clients already, is taking a "boots-on-the-ground" approach.
3 minute read
June 03, 2019 | News

General Counsel, Stakeholders Still Await FDA Guidance for CBD

In-house lawyers and other industry executives are still waiting for regulations on CBD and CBD-infused products after the FDA held its first public comments session.
3 minute read
June 03, 2019 | Commentary

Medical Marijuana Patients Cannot Be Fired for Failing Drug Test

OP-ED: In a nutshell, the court concluded that "the Compassionate Use Act does not immunize what the LAD prohibits." This decision makes sense.
5 minute read
May 31, 2019

A Sidley Austin Partner's Perspective on the FDA and CBD

Coleen Klasmeier: "It's one of the first early baby steps toward setting up policies addressing what is really a sort of unprecedented stress test to the FDA regulatory scheme."
6 minute read
September 19, 2019 | News

Following Surge in Private Funding, California Cannabis Company Hires First General Counsel

Gabriel García is tasked with overseeing Natura Life + Science's legal department and will be responsible for its growth in the future.
2 minute read
May 31, 2019 | Q&A

1 Year As a Cannabis General Counsel: A Q&A With Jennifer Clifton of Orchid Ventures

"I think the hardest part is trying to navigate the cannabis laws in each state with all of them being so different and they're changing all of the time," Clifton says on her first year as a cannabis company's general counsel. "You have to be really agile as a company to be able to adapt quickly."
4 minute read
May 31, 2019 | Analysis

The North American Cannabis Industry Is Slowly Going Public

Until cannabis is legalized at the federal level, it appears that cannabis producers operating in the United States will not be able to fully capitalize on the high level of demand exhibited by U.S. investors.
7 minute read
May 30, 2019

An Effort to Boost Marijuana Licenses Stalls in State Legislature

The bill was designed to add to the nearly 600 licensed marijuana sellers in California.
3 minute read
May 30, 2019

Puff, Puff Pass? Connecticut Legislature Changes Course on Marijuana Vote

With five days before the end of the state legislative session, both sides agree there will not be a vote to legalize recreational marijuana in Connecticut this year. It appears the voters might make that choice in a referendum in 2021.
4 minute read
May 30, 2019

Higher Law: A Sidley Partner's CBD Thoughts | USDA Hemp Guidance | Arizona Court Defines Medical Marijuana

Welcome to Higher Law -- our weekly roundup of news and analysis for cannabis industry lawyers. Thanks for reading!
9 minute read
May 24, 2019 | Commentary

Cannabis Business RICO Claims Have Failed So Far, but They're Still a Threat

With a growing number of states legalizing medical and adult-use marijuana, anti-cannabis plaintiffs have turned to innovative legal theories, including RICO racketeering and conspiracy claims, aimed at disrupting cannabis businesses.
8 minute read
May 24, 2019 | Commentary

Legal Guidance for Medical Marijuana in the Workplace Remains Hazy

The legal landscape for employers grappling with the impact of medical marijuana on their workplaces remains quite hazy (pun intended).
11 minute read
May 23, 2019

Higher Law: Weed Goes to Washington | Tom Daschle Joins Advisory Board | Cannabis Companies Wage Delivery Fight | Who Got the Work

Welcome to Higher Law, our weekly look at news and trends. Thanks for reading!
8 minute read
May 22, 2019 | Commentary

Five Ideas That Can Solve the Cannabis Banking Problem

Despite this exponential growth, the cannabis industry still suffers from the lack of even the most basic financial services. It's a problem that over-anxious legislatures have simply avoided and swept under the rug, so as to not disturb the potential tax revenue that awaited them on the upside.
9 minute read
May 22, 2019 | Commentary

Creating Diversity in the Cannabis Industry and Why It's Important

One challenge, however, presents a significant business opportunity for those who are willing to champion the cause: Creating diversity in the cannabis industry.
6 minute read
September 17, 2019 | News

Cannabis Vaporizer Maker Promotes Newly Hired General Counsel to Interim CEO

CEO Bharat Vasan has been ousted as general counsel Lisa "LD" Sergi Trager, formerly of MedMen, will serve as the interim CEO.
2 minute read
May 16, 2019

Higher Law: Hundreds of Thoughts About CBD | Where Recreational (Legislative) Moves Are Fizzling | 'Lobby Days' Next Week in DC

We're looking at the hundreds of comments the FDA's received on CBD regulations—some highlights. Plus: cannabis headlines that caught our eye. Thanks for reading!
8 minute read
May 09, 2019

Higher Law: Catch Up With Fox Rothschild's Cannabis Co-Chair | AGs Push for Pot Banking | Cryptocurrency Weed Bill Fizzles

Check out our Law.com Legal Speak podcast with Fox Rothschild's Joshua Horn, and state AGs make a new plea for a banking system for the cannabis industry. Thanks for reading!
8 minute read
May 03, 2019 | Podcast

A Big Law Cannabis Partner on Ethics, Clients and What It Takes to Build a Practice

Fox Rothschild partner Joshua Horn describes what it's been like getting in on the green rush and how he keeps up with regulatory change. His first rule for cannabis lawyers is "Don't dabble."
2 minute read
April 29, 2019 | Q&A

Hemp Is Legal But Still Has Challenges: A Q&A With Patrick Goggin of California Hemp Council

Patrick Goggin, who is also a senior attorney at the San Francisco-based Hoban Law Group, has joined the council newly formed to continue the work of Vote Hemp after last year's Farm Bill took hemp off the Controlled Substances Act.
4 minute read
April 22, 2019 | News

What Do Cannabis Companies Look for in In-House Attorneys?

Those in the industry say that while cannabis law expertise is important, those with a corporate background to help the expansion of their companies will be among the first offered jobs for the in-house legal department.
4 minute read
August 16, 2019 | News

Atlanta Company Grows Cannabis—and Its Legal Team

The GC said with expanding vertical operations that run from cultivation, processing, manufacturing and selling, "We do use a lot of outside counsel."
3 minute read
April 15, 2019

McGuireWoods Extends Cannabis Lobbying, Picking Up California Trade Group

The McGuireWoods lobbyists will advocate for the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce, based in Costa Mesa, California, according to a new federal registration.
3 minute read
April 12, 2019 | Analysis

In the Midst of Changing Cannabis Laws, What Can an Employer Do?

The legalization of recreational cannabis presents unique challenges to employers' efforts to maintain a drug-free workplace.
6 minute read
April 08, 2019 | News

Cannabis Consulting Company Names Second General Counsel

A Colorado-based cannabis consulting company announced it has found a new general counsel as the previous one leaves to pursue other opportunities in the cannabis space.
3 minute read
April 04, 2019 | Expert Opinion

The Weed GC: Culture Fit Matters

I just took my search firm's first order within the cannabis industry, a general counsel role for a leading grower of legal marijuana. Interest in the role is high (OK, the puns are easy!), but I've already rejected one of my favorite candidates.
3 minute read
September 12, 2019

Higher Law: Big Cannabis Law Conference | Sacramento U.S. Attorney Talks Shop | Will Congress Act on Marijuana Bills? | A State Banking Bill Dies

The ABA's got a first-ever marijuana conference coming up, and here's what to expect. Plus, Sacramento's US attorney talks with us about marijuana enforcement. Scroll down for our headline roundup, and a calendar of events. Thanks for reading!
10 minute read
March 28, 2019

US House Committee Passes First-Ever Marijuana Banking Bill

The bill, approved by the House Committee on Financial Services, is a top priority for a marijuana industry largely shut out of mainstream banking.
4 minute read
March 25, 2019 | Commentary

Patent Litigation in the Cannabis Industry—2 Cases to Review

Law students are taught that one purpose served by the civil legal system is to provide predictability in business. For the cannabis industry, predictability remains a work in progress in view of conflicting federal and state laws and regulations.
8 minute read
March 15, 2019 | News

Reed Smith Continues Cultivating Cannabis Practice

It's one of several Pennsylvania-based Am Law 100 and Am Law 200 firms that have spent the past few years honing their abilities to service clients in the marijuana industry.
4 minute read
March 05, 2019 | News

The IRS Keeps Winning Marijuana Cases in US Appeals Courts

The Tenth Circuit ruling was the latest blow for marijuana-related businesses seeking to take the full range of tax deductions available to other companies.
4 minute read
February 22, 2019

Maybe Cryptocurrency Will Solve a Cannabis Industry Conundrum

California legislators this week introduced a bill that would require the state starting in 2020 to accept "stablecoins."
4 minute read
February 11, 2019

Inside the Alcohol Industry's Lobbying Blitz on Cannabis

The lobbying boom, mainly involving trade associations, comes as the alcohol industry considers whether the booming legalized marijuana business represents a competitor or corollary.
10 minute read
October 23, 2019 | News

Report: Securities Regulation, Class Action Suits to Rise in Canadian Cannabis Industry

An issue outlined in the report surrounding disclosures is that a handful of securities class action suits are being filed against cannabis companies in Canada.
3 minute read
October 23, 2019 | News

Report: Securities Regulation, Class Action Suits to Rise in Canadian Cannabis Industry

An issue outlined in the report surrounding disclosures is that a handful of securities class action suits are being filed against cannabis companies in Canada.
3 minute read
October 18, 2019 | News

Vaping Illnesses Call for Cannabis Companies to Bolster Legal Departments

The pulmonary disease seemingly caused by vaping has sickened and killed users of a black market THC product, which could be a call for companies to bolster their supply chains and fill out their in-house legal departments.
3 minute read
October 18, 2019 | News

Vaping Illnesses Call for Cannabis Companies to Bolster Legal Departments

The pulmonary disease seemingly caused by vaping has sickened and killed users of a black market THC product, which could be a call for companies to bolster their supply chains and fill out their in-house legal departments.
3 minute read
October 16, 2019 | News

Panel: Without Legalization, Banks Still Take Risk Accepting Cash From Cannabis Industry

Until marijuana is no longer a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act or exceptions to the law are passed, banks will still be taking a risk when it comes to providing financial services for cannabis companies, a panel at the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in New York said Wednesday.
3 minute read
October 16, 2019 | News

Panel: Without Legalization, Banks Still Take Risk Accepting Cash From Cannabis Industry

Until marijuana is no longer a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act or exceptions to the law are passed, banks will still be taking a risk when it comes to providing financial services for cannabis companies, a panel at the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in New York said Wednesday.
3 minute read
October 10, 2019 | News

Cannabis Company Hires Former MedMen Board Member as 1st General Counsel

Stacey Hallerman started working at Lowell Herb Co. in September and also holds the title of chief administrative officer.
3 minute read
October 10, 2019 | News

Cannabis Company Hires Former MedMen Board Member as 1st General Counsel

Stacey Hallerman started working at Lowell Herb Co. in September and also holds the title of chief administrative officer.
3 minute read

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