On February 8, 2021, leading cannabis businesses, associations and advocacy organizations launched the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), a nonprofit organization focused on advancing social equity and advocating for state and federal cannabis reform. The coalition will advocate for the descheduling and legalization of cannabis.  Additionally, the USCC aims to fight for restorative justice in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by dated state and federal policies.  The USCC will become a leading resource for cannabis…

A new California Proposition 65 mandate took effect on January 3, requiring health warning labels for all cannabis products sold in the state.  Failure to comply with the requirements can and will result in enforcement against cannabis producers and sellers, resulting in hefty penalties.  Here’s what you need to know.…

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“the “FDA”) in enforcing laws related to marketing CBD products. The FDA has historically issued warning letters and pursued companies that illegally market CBD products with claims the products may treat medical conditions.  The FTC has joined the FDA is this pursuit and announced settlements with six different CBD companies involves fines ranging between $20,000-$85,000 in addition to notifications provided to consumers. …

On January 15, 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) published its final rule (the “Final Rule”) regulating the production of industrial hemp under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”). The Final Rule modifies regulations set forth in the interim final rule published on October 31, 2019 (the “Interim Rule”). The modifications are based on approximately 5,900 public comments submitted to the USDA over three public comment periods. The Final…

Earlier this year the City of Denver Department of Excise and Licenses created the Marijuana Licensing Work Group (the “MLWG”). This week the MLWG released draft legislation regarding a continued license cap, licensing categories, and Social Equity Applicants. If passed the legislation would have some noteworthy impacts.…

Husch Blackwell’s Labor & Employment team issued a legal alert containing guidelines for employers as more states legalize marijuana. Employers should review the state laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate, understand their rights, and consider adopting the practices outlined in the update by Timothy Hilton and Jenna Brofsky.…