Legal Insights
Practical legal analysis for cannabis operators — licensing, compliance, taxation, employment, and transactions — written by attorneys who work in this industry every day.
Regulatory UpdateIn April 2026, the Justice Department moved state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabis products to Schedule III — and a federal appeals court has let the order stand. Adult-use cannabis, however, remains in Schedule I while a broader rescheduling rulemaking plays out.
September 2026 · 8 min read
A federal law redefining hemp — with a 0.4 milligram total-THC cap per container — takes effect December 11, 2026, and will make most hemp-derived THC products unlawful. Hemp businesses have weeks left to plan.
September 2026 · 6 min read
LicensingLicensing windows are competitive and unforgiving. We break down the five most frequent application errors — and how to avoid them.
February 2025 · 5 min read
TaxationWith state-licensed medical marijuana now in Schedule III, many operators can finally deduct ordinary business expenses — but adult-use businesses remain under 280E. Knowing which side of the line you fall on is essential.
September 2026 · 6 min read
EmploymentWith employees working directly with cannabis products, many operators assume drug testing is straightforward. It isn't. State-by-state employment protections for cannabis users are creating new HR landmines.
December 2024 · 4 min read
M&APurchasing an existing cannabis operation? License transfer approvals, compliance history, and undisclosed violations can make or break a deal. This is what you need to verify before signing.
November 2024 · 7 min read