Jason Adelstone

Jason Adelstone is a seasoned business lawyer, international policy advisor, and problem solver. Based in Denver, Colorado, he provides domestic and international legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, corporations, religious organizations, and federal and international cannabis operators. His practice spans corporate law, international policy, and cannabis regulatory compliance, helping clients navigate the complexities of the global cannabis industry and beyond.

hemp

What the 2026 Federal Hemp Ban Means for Unsold Hemp Inventory

Most commentary on the “hemp ban” included in the November funding bill has focused on two related questions: (1) which products and activities may become unlawful on November 12, 2026; and (2) whether Congress will materially amend or delay the ban before then. I recently discussed another consequence operators should be considering as the deadline

bankruptcy

The November 12 Cliff: How the Hemp Ban Threatens Bankruptcy Eligibility

Most commentary on the “hemp ban” included in the November funding bill has focused on two, related considerations: (1) which products and activities will become unlawful on November 12, 2026, and (2) whether Congress will materially amend, or delay, the ban before then. While that focus is understandable, it overlooks a critical, and more immediate,

Event flyer for "CannaGen Sesh 3: Deeply Seeded" with guest speakers Amber Littlejohn, Jason C. Adelstone, and Lauren Mendelsohn, scheduled for January 22, 2026.

Jason Adelstone Joins in CannaGen Sesh 3: Deeply Seeded Webinar

Harris Sliwoski attorney Jason Adelstone will be participating in CannaGen Sesh 3: Deeply Seeded, a webinar hosted by CannaGen on Thursday, January 22, from 11:00–12:00 PM PST. This session will focus on a significant but underappreciated change in federal hemp law that will materially affect cannabis genetics, seed commerce, and cross-border operations. Under recent amendments

A man in a gray suit stands beside text promoting a MJBizCon panel on global cannabis outlook, featuring Jason Adelstone as a panelist, scheduled for December 3rd at 2:50pm.

Closing Reflections on MJBizCon 2025

Even with slightly lighter attendance at MjBizCon this year, the quality of conversations and the overall engagement felt stronger than ever. The insights, candor, and determination that filled the hallways and side events were a powerful reminder of why this industry keeps pushing forward despite constant headwinds. The event team delivered a well-run, thoughtful conference

A desk calendar shows the month of November 2026 with dates arranged in a grid, set against a plain blue background—marking a year since the hemp bill November 2025 shaped new hemp compliance for 2026.

Hemp Companies Have One Year to Get Marijuana Genetics Into or Out of the US. . . But a Loophole May Still Exist

The hemp industry faces its biggest shake-up since 2018 Effective November 13, 2025, Congress fundamentally rewrote the laws governing hemp in America. Buried within the government funding bill (starting at pg. 64) is language that will reshape the entire hemp industry, including a critical shift in how marijuana seeds are treated under federal law. See

Cannabis leaves with a transparent overlay of the Thailand national flag, featuring red, white, and blue horizontal stripes, celebrate the country's evolving relationship with cannabis.

Thailand’s Cannabis Leadership: The Path from Innovation to Sustainable Reform

Last week at the International Asian Hemp Expo in Thailand, I witnessed the remarkable energy and potential of a country that has boldly positioned itself at the forefront of cannabis reform in Asia. The conversations I had with operators, policymakers, and international stakeholders revealed extraordinary innovation and entrepreneurship, while also highlighting opportunities to strengthen Thailand’s

Waterfront buildings with palm trees line a wooden dock along clear blue water under a bright sky, as Caye Caulker looks ahead to the 2025 cannabis referendum.

Where National Politics Failed, Can Local Democracy Prevail? The Caye Caulker Cannabis Referendum

On October 8th, voters of Caye Caulker will make history as they head to the polls for Belize’s first-ever community cannabis referendum. This grassroots initiative, spearheaded by the “Legalize It Caye Caulker” campaign led by village councilor Ilya Rosado, asks voters whether the Government of Belize should establish a regulated, taxable cannabis industry on the

Cannabis leaves with a transparent overlay of the Thailand national flag, featuring red, white, and blue horizontal stripes, celebrate the country's evolving relationship with cannabis.

Thai Cannabis at a Crossroads: Regulation, Opportunity and Political Reality

Thailand’s political landscape shifted decisively on September 5, 2025, when Anutin Charnvirakul secured appointment as Prime Minister with support from 311 of 492 House Representatives. Under an agreement with the People’s Party, Anutin will serve a four-month term before calling new elections—a brief window that could prove pivotal for the nation’s cannabis industry. For cannabis