In the never-ending loop of federal marijuana reform debates, one crucial fact keeps getting overlooked: the Attorney General (AG) has the power to reschedule marijuana. Right now. No act of Congress. No HHS review. No rulemaking marathon. Just a signature. Under 21 U.S.C. § 811(d)(1), the AG can unilaterally reschedule marijuana to better align U.S.
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 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
Surprising no one, recent findings show that most hemp products sold in Oregon run hot. By this I mean they are generally designed to get you lit. These products are often sold and marketed online without age verification, in packaging attractive to minors, or at unlicensed retail stores. Most labels lack clear potency information, and
Florida’s cannabis and hemp industries are undergoing significant regulatory shifts. From proposed legislation targeting hemp products to new rules affecting packaging and labeling, here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in the Sunshine State. 1. Legislative efforts to regulate hemp products Senate Bill 1030 proposes tighter restrictions on hemp-derived products, including a
Welcome the ninth annual “State of the State” post on Oregon cannabis. I feel like an old man. As compared to 2023, things this year were pretty mellow. That’s not to say, however, that we don’t have trends, intrigues, controversies, mysteries, etc., worth writing about. Let’s dive right in. Sales and market data According to
The U.S. Senate’s version of the Farm Bill finally landed this week. They’re calling it the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 (the “Senate bill”). The Senate bill follows on the House’s proposal, called the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (the “House bill”), offered in May. Neither the Senate bill
Last week, I wrote a round-up post on Oregon cannabis. This week, I thought I’d drop a line on the federal happenings. Which are quite a few. The Nixon tapes This was a fun piece of news, unearthed by Minnesota cannabis lobbyist Kurtis Hanna. Ernesto Londoño then broke the story on September 14th for the
Last week, I wrote a post entitled “Loper Comes For the DEA. Will it Matter Though?” In that post, I discussed a brand new federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals case that concluded that hemp derivatives like THC-O are not controlled substances. The hemp community has largely celebrated this as a win, even though as
