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We’re proud to share that attorney Jason Adelstone will be a featured panelist at this year’s Cannabis Law Institute (CLI 2025), hosted by the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA). Taking place June 12–13, 2025 at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, CLI 2025 is widely recognized as the leading annual conference for cannabis
In yet another setback for hemp and marijuana-adjacent businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has quietly reintroduced a policy that effectively disqualifies most of them from critical federal loan programs. The updated policy, effective June 1, has far-reaching consequences for small businesses operating in compliance with state law (and for some, in compliance with
In fall of 2023 I wrote about the lawsuit to end federal prohibition that wouldn’t really end federal prohibition. Last July, a federal district court ruled against Canna Provisions et al. in that case. On Wednesday, May 27th, the First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s ruling. The First Circuit decision means the
In June 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed SB 23-271 (codified in C.R.S. 25-5-427 and regulated by 6 CCR 1010-24), a landmark bill regulating intoxicating hemp products in the state. This legislation followed recommendations from the Intoxicating Hemp Task Force, which was established a year earlier under SB 22-205. At a time when many states
After attending the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin at the end of April, I was reminded, yet again, of how draconian U.S. marijuana laws truly are. The excitement throughout the event was palpable. Much of it was driven by Germany’s newly formed government keeping its quasi-legalization policy intact, even if adult-use trials remain
Understanding Trademark Strength We frequently discuss the cannabis-specific challenges that brands face when seeking trademark protection. But it’s just as important not to lose sight of the core trademark principles that apply to all businesses—especially the need for a strong, distinctive mark. Clients often approach us with catchy, creative names that, unfortunately, are (or are
Hopefully this is the penultimate time I’ll write about Ballot Measure 119. Hopefully, some three weeks from now, I’ll publish one last post explaining that this landgrab initiative was annihilated, judicially speaking. The recent Federal Court hearing On April 29th, Judge Michael H. Simon heard arguments from the UFCW 555 and the Oregon Department of
One of the most fundamental questions facing any entrepreneur – whether in the cannabis industry or elsewhere – is: “What type of business entity should I choose?” This is a deceptively complex question, although we’ll try to make it seem simple here. When you ask your lawyer or accountant, their first response will likely be
For many cannabis brands, licensing their trademarks can be a savvy business move (for more information on cannabis trademarks generally, check out our webinar, Trademarking Cannabis: Cutting Through the Legal Haze). But it also comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike in most industries, cannabis operates in a complicated legal gray zone — which
Australia Cannabis Q&A A. Legal Status & Industry Overview 1. Is cannabis legal for business purposes in Australia? Importation, cultivation, production, and other activities conducted for medicinal and scientific purposes are lawful under federal Australian law when the necessary licenses and permits have been obtained. Growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal in most Australian
