Back in February, we blogged about the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy (the “Committee”) releasing a cannabis bill (H. 174/S. 72) through Committee without any opposition. This bill proposed major changes to host community agreements (“HCA”), re-vamped the state’s approach to social equity in the industry, and provided a legislative fix to permit on-site consumption establishments.
The bill was amended in another committee and the Senate adopted several amendments.… More
Yesterday, the Cannabis Control Board approved 52 adult-use conditional cultivation licenses, which means the approved businesses can start growing cannabis for the upcoming adult-use market. Licensees can start growing cannabis outdoors or in a greenhouse with up to 20 artificial lights. The new licensees are all current hemp farmers that have grown and harvested for at least two of the past four years. An adult-use conditional cultivator license is valid for no more than two years,… More
The Maryland Senate has now approved legislation that puts a referendum before voters this November on whether Maryland should legalize adult-use cannabis and begin implementing a regulatory framework if the ballot question is approved. Maryland’s Republican governor announced he will not sign or veto the legislation, and will allow it to take effect without his signature.
As we previously discussed, even if voters approve the referendum,… More
On Thursday, March 10, 2022, the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) held its seventh and longest public meeting to date, during which it made significant progress in developing the adult-use regulatory framework contemplated by the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation (MRTA). As detailed further below, the CCB: (i) previewed its proposed conditional adult-use retail dispensary regulations, (ii) approved the application form for conditional cultivator adult-use cultivator licenses and announced the application period for these licenses,… More
Watch Foley Hoag partner Jesse Alderman participate in a hearing with the PA senate law and justice committee on adult-use marijuana where he discusses recommendations and best practices for future legislation. View the video. More
The Maryland House of Delegates recently passed a bill that would put legalization of adult-use cannabis on the ballot this November. The bill, HB 1, passed 96-34 and is based on a plan first laid out by Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones last summer. If passed by the Maryland Senate, the bill would let voters decide via referendum whether or not to amend the Maryland constitution thereby legalizing adult-use sales.… More
In the latest edition of the Boston Bar Journal, available here, blog contributor Steve Bartlett provides a legal analysis on the limits of municipal control over cannabis businesses. More
During the Cannabis Control Board’s meeting on Thursday, the board approved by a vote of 5-0 new regulations for the state’s medical cannabis program, in accordance with the Marijuana Regulation Taxation Act (“MRTA”). Among other things, the new regulations transfer the program from the New York Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management (“OCM”). The OCM highlighted some additional key changes effectuated by the new regulations, including:
As entrepreneurs and consumers eagerly await the implementation of New York’s adult-use program, lawmakers are taking steps to allow New York to effectuate its adult use cannabis program faster. Last week, the New York Senate and Assembly approved Senate Bill S8084A, a bill to provide provisional marijuana cultivator and processor licenses for existing hemp businesses. Championed by Senator Michelle Hinchey, the bill has been delivered to Governor Hochul and is awaiting signature.… More
Cannabis employers face a multitude of challenges in managing their workforces. Some of these challenges begin even before making the first hire. In a highly-regulated industry, workplace issues can quickly snowball into complicated legal challenges for cannabis employers.
Download program materials here.
Foley Hoag LLP partners Christopher Feudo and Allison Anderson – labor and employment attorneys who regularly advise clients in the cannabis industry – discussed wide-ranging legal issues cannabis employers should be thinking about,… More