By: Paul Josephson, Eve Klein, James Hearon and Kayla HandtLike many other jurisdictions, New Jersey imposed union organizing and negotiating requirements on most cannabis licensees when it legalized adult use cannabis—a mandate that has shaped workforce decisions
Cannabis Industry
The Cannabis Industry blog published by Duane Morris LLP focuses on legal and regulatory issues affecting the cannabis sector. It covers topics such as cannabis banking and finance challenges, federal and state regulatory compliance, immigration policy impacts on cannabis businesses, and industry-specific enforcement trends. The blog also highlights events and webinars that discuss evolving cannabis laws, policy changes, and their implications for industry stakeholders. It serves as a resource for cannabis professionals seeking updates on legal developments, risk management, and strategic considerations within the cannabis market.
Latest from Cannabis Industry
Can States Favor Local Cannabis Businesses? The Supreme Court Declines to Resolve
By Jim Hearon
On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to resolve a growing disagreement among federal appeals courts; that is, whether states may afford preferences to in-state residents under their cannabis laws and regulations. The case, Jensen v. Maryland Cannabis…
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Cracks Open Door for Canadian Cannabis Restructurings
By Duane Morris
By Timothy T. Brock, Paul P. Josephson and Drew S. McGehrin
Cannabis companies had long been shut out of the U.S. bankruptcy system because federal courts refused to administer assets derived from or connected to federally prohibited activity. That…
Relief, Finally? DEA Issues Order Expediting Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III
On April 22, 2026, a final order issued by the Acting Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration took effect, fundamentally altering the federal regulatory landscape for marijuana. The order moves FDA-approved drug products containing marijuana and marijuana subject to…
Intellectual Property Considerations for Cannabis and Hemp Industry Executives
By Duane Morris
By Paul Josephson, Thomas Kowalski and Brandon Chan The constantly evolving legal landscape and regulatory challenges facing cannabis and hemp cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers require close attention to compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies. As these industries mature…
Municipalities Can’t Just Say “No”: What Higher Breed Means for Cannabis Licensing
By Kayla Handt
Can a city council deny a cannabis retailer application for a resolution of local support (“ROS”) without providing any explanation? According to the New Jersey Appellate Division, the answer is no. On March 3, 2026, in Higher Breed NJ LLC…
NY Bill Would Allow Low-THC Drinks in Liquor Stores
New York State Senate Bill S9220 (2025-2026), introduced February 17, 2026, by Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis, would allow liquor and wine stores to sell low-potency cannabis beverages. Regulatory Framework The bill vests joint authority in…
Ohio Attorney General Files First-of-Their-Kind Antitrust Claims Against Major Multistate Cannabis Operators
By Duane Morris
By Sean P. McConnell, Wayne A. Mack, Christopher H. Casey, Paul P. Josephson, Tracy Gallegos, Michael D. Schwamm, and James Hearon The Ohio attorney general recently filed an unprecedented state antitrust enforcement action against nine of the nation’s largest multistate cannabis operators. The complaint alleges…
Ohio Attorney General Files First-of-Its-Kind Antitrust Claims Against Major Cannabis MSOs
The Ohio Attorney General recently filed an unprecedented state antitrust enforcement action against nine of the nation’s largest multistate cannabis operators (MSOs). The complaint alleges these defendants formed illegal cartels through reciprocal supply agreements, competitively sensitive information exchanges, and discriminatory…
New Jersey Joins in Closing Hemp Loophole –New Legislation Regulates Hemp-Derived Products
By Jim Hearon
On January 12, 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 4509 into law, ushering in a sweeping reform of New Jersey’s hemp laws and establishing a regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp products (“IHPS”) that have proliferated across the Garden State. The…