Licensing Blog

November 8th: States Bring Drug Reform to Election Day

November 8th: States Bring Drug Reform to Election Day

With President Biden’s instruction to the Attorney General to begin the process of modifying the scheduling of cannabis last week, federal drug reform has been a hot topic among those working in the cannabis industry. However, the biggest change that can happen to drug reform in the next couple months is happening at the state-level with the midterm elections fast-approaching. …

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Social Equity Applicants Face Obstacles in the Cannabis Industry

Social Equity Applicants Face Obstacles in the Cannabis Industry

With cannabis legalization blazing its way through almost all of the fifty states, no matter the different approaches each state takes, they all face a common issue: diversity among their license holders. Due to this continuous problem within the cannabis industry as a whole, states have taken different avenues to further solidify license holders who were most affected by the …

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Biden’s Marijuana Reform: Federal Pardons & Review of Cannabis Scheduling

Biden’s Marijuana Reform: Federal Pardons & Review of Cannabis Scheduling

On October 6th, 2022, President Biden shocked the nation by announcing federal pardons for any person charged or convicted under federal law for a simple possession of cannabis. However, Biden’s announcement did not stop there—he further proclaimed that he is instructing his administration to review the possibility of re-scheduling or de-scheduling cannabis. In a statement by the President himself, “I …

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The “Empire State” Faces Further Setbacks in Licensing Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses

The “Empire State” Faces Further Setbacks in Licensing Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses

On August 25th, the Office of Cannabis Management’s (“OCM”) Executive Director, Chris Alexander, ignited concern within New York’s adult-use cannabis industry when he answered an audience member’s question at a Yonkers event regarding the OCM’s timeline for issuing cultivation, processing, and retail cannabis business licenses. As reported by Syracuse.com, Alexander’s reply to the audience member was that the applications for …

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Cannabis Lounges: Nevada to Open On-Site Consumption License Application in October

Cannabis Lounges: Nevada to Open On-Site Consumption License Application in October

The home of the bright and shinning lights of Las Vegas is becoming the 7th state to allow cannabis consumption lounges within their state’s borders. The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board announced a limited application window from October 14th till October 27th of this year. Further, under Nevada’s cannabis law, this will be the only opportunity to apply for such licenses …

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Oregon’s Health Authority Announces Psilocybin Fall Business Forum

Oregon’s Health Authority Announces Psilocybin Fall Business Forum

On September 23rd, Oregon Psilocybin Services (“OPS”) announced their collaboration with the Secretary of State’s Office of Small Business Assistance to host an informative 2022 Psilocybin Fall Business Forum to give an overview of the much-anticipated Psilocybin Service Licenses. All are welcome to join as this illuminating one-day event will be held virtually via Zoom with presentations offered by various …

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Florida Chooses their Pigford Farmer Licensee

Florida Chooses their Pigford Farmer Licensee

On September 20th, 2022, the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (“OMMU”) released their long-awaited pick for the lone Pigford/BFL Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (“MMTC”) license. Suwanee County farm owner, Terry Donnell Gwinn, 69, was the ‘chosen one’ for the Pigford license by beating out 11 other applicants in the competitive six-month review process. Gwinn, along with …

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marijuana in a jar

Alabama 37th State to Legalize Medical Marijuana

Alabama has jumped on the bandwagon of states that have legalized marijuana, and is now the 37th state to approve medical marijuana. Alabama is going to open up an application process by the end of 2022. This is a great opportunity for cannabis operators and locals looking to expand their cannabis footprint. However, this will be an extremely competitive application …

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marijuana plant

Virginia Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

In February of 2021, Virginia legalized recreational marijuana. However, this program will have a slow start as the measure passed includes a clause that will require the General Assembly in 2022 to reenact a number of provisions of the bill, including those that detail the regulatory and market structure such as licensing. When Will Recreational Marijuana be Legal in Virginia? …

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