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
Effective August 1, 2025, the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) issued emergency amendments to New Mexico's Hemp extraction, production, transportation, warehousing, and testing administrative code. These amendments were created to address concerns with the production and use of synthetic hemp cannabinoids found in finished products. The primary goal of NMED appears to be the protection
With so much discussion around the potential rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), we must have an honest conversation about what such a move will—and more importantly, won't—accomplish. Let me be clear: marijuana absolutely needs to be removed from Schedule I. In fact, it should not be scheduled at
I have spent a lot of time engaging with clients who are dealing with cannabis investors on the front and back end of investments. I work with companies and investors-- from idea inception to litigation. The suite of investors runs the gamut from friends and family, to key employees, executives, and board members with equity
It’s common for companies in all industries to use social media “influencers” to promote their goods and services online. Influencer advertising in the cannabis industry is a particularly risky idea, because paid advertisers need to comply with all cannabis marketing and advertising rules. These rules are beasts of the applicable state regulations on cannabis products
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
DEA Registrants could be the real winner if cannabis is rescheduled
Cannabis concentrates have become a cornerstone of modern cannabis consumption, offering a potent, clean, and diverse way to experience cannabinoids and terpenes. These products, ranging from shatter to wax and live resin, are derived through sophisticated extraction methods that deliver enhanced flavors and intensities for consumers. For both seasoned cannabis users and industry professionals, understanding
California's path to cannabis social equity: from arrests to advocacy Data from the California Department of Justice reveals that nearly half a million individuals were arrested on cannabis charges in the state between 2006 and 2015. Even after Governor Schwarzenegger authorized a statewide decriminalization program in 2010, thousands continued to face serious misdemeanor charges related
Despite continuously surpassing every other state with recreational cannabis in terms of total retail sales, California's cannabis industry has faced continuous and far-reaching issues on multiple levels that have only spread even further. From declining sales that result in hundreds of millions less in total retail sales to a massive illicit market that the state
