On July 12, 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 141 (AB-141), which creates the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The DCC will consolidate the three state cannabis programs – the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, and the California Department
NC Bipartisan Medical Marijuana Bill Picks Up Support
Last Wednesday the North Carolina Senate held a hearing on Senate bill 711, The North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. The proposed Act is the newest attempt in an initiative which began in 2009 to permit medical marijuana use in North Carolina. The Act would legalize medical marijuana and protect patients and doctors from criminal and
New Proposed Permanent Regulations From PA Department of Health
The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently released proposed permanent regulations to replace the temporary regulations that have been in place since April of 2017. The proposed permanent regulations would not substantially alter the medicinal cannabis market in Pennsylvania but there are several notable proposed changes in the new regulations. For example, the proposed regulations add
Cannabis M&A Predictions for 2021
The cannabis industry took a step back on its merger and acquisition activity in 2020 due to some pandemic-related instability but the industry picked up where it left off by the end of the year, and we expect that trend to significantly increase in 2021. In the article linked below, Melissa Sander and I discuss
Florida Issues Regulations to Allow Sales of Edible Cannabis Products
Florida has issued regulations to permit and allow the sale of edible cannabis products. See this alert for more information.
Cannabis Companies Sue Massachusetts Governor Over Orders Closing Recreational Stores
Yesterday, several adult-use marijuana establishments, and one medical marijuana patient, filed suit against Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker requesting preliminary and permanent injunctive relief challenging his Covid-19 Order No. 13 and Covid-19 Order No. 21 (Orders) issued in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Orders closed adult-use retail establishments at noon on March 24, and
Illinois Department of Agriculture Announces New Policy For Use of Hemp in Cannabis Products
The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently released a policy for cultivators regarding the use of hemp in medical and adult use cannabis products. The complete version of the policy can be found here. The policy will be in effect through October 31, 2020, although it is subject to change at any time by the
Illinois Cannabis Applications Get Two-Week Extension; Don’t Misrepresent Social Equity Status
Illinois Craft Grower, Infuser and Transporter Applications are Now Due March 30, 2020
On March 12th, due to concerns about COVID-19, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued an Executive Order extending the deadline for submitting applications for adult use Craft Grower, Infuser and Transporter licenses by two weeks, until March 30, 2020. The Executive
California BCC Proposes Emergency Regulations
Last week, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) gave notice of proposed emergency regulations that will require retailers to display their Quick Response Code certificate outside their storefronts. Distributors and retail delivery drivers will also be required to carry the certificate while transporting cannabis. The certificate will be required to be in a format
Changes to Illinois Adult-Use Cannabis Laws
The Illinois House of Representatives recently passed amendments to Senate Bill 1557, which made some material changes to Illinois’ Adult-Use Cannabis Laws. The bill is now on its way to the governor for his signature and will not be effective until then. However, it is crucial to get ahead of these material changes so you