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
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
As economists overwhelmingly question the Trump Administration’s tariff policy, one has to wonder if there is a deeper strategy behind his seemingly chaotic moves? While President Trump’s recent push for sweeping tariffs and saber-rattling on global trade might look like bluster or protectionism on the surface, there's a theory that it’s something far more calculated—a
REGISTER HERE The cannabis industry is expanding nationwide, but securing trademark protection remains a complex challenge due to federal restrictions and evolving state laws. If you’re a cannabis business owner, lawyer, or entrepreneur looking to protect your brand, you won’t want to miss our upcoming webinar on cannabis and trademarks. What You’ll Learn Our expert
There is too much weed in Oregon. There is not enough weed in Oregon. Allow me to explain. On February 1, the OLCC released its 2025 legislative report on local, regulated marijuana supply. We get these reports every two years, as required by ORS 475C.529. They tend to be downers. And this one could be
It's MLK Day once again. I’ve been writing an MLK Day post on this blog for eight consecutive years. The theme of my posts is that cannabis is a civil rights issue, and that Dr. King would have advocated for ending prohibition based on that fact. Each year, I have demonstrated with facts (upon facts
It’s been a wild week in the rulemaking around marijuana rescheduling, to say the least. I've started writing about it a couple of times, only to be whipsawed by filings, rulings, prominent hot takes, prominent rebuttals, and more. All while trying to do my real job here at the firm. Below are my thoughts on
The days of smoking cannabis out of apples is over. Smoking devices are readily accessible in tobacco shops and cannabis retailers, and their production and sale are big business. Creative shapes and sizes impress and create unique smoking experiences. However, as states across the U.S. continue to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, the
For anyone that has not yet met their Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) filing requirements, now is the time! The deadline for entities created or registered before January 1, 2024, is less than a month away, on December 31, 2024. In July, we published a blog post covering questions on the CTA. The full text of
