On September 21, 2022, the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics issued Opinion 744, advising that lawyers may both (a) use regulated cannabis and (b) operate or invest in a regulated cannabis business, without violation of RPC 8.4(b) (regarding attorney
CannaBiz
Legal insights and developments on cannabis in New Jersey
CannaBiz, published by Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, focuses on legal issues surrounding the cannabis industry, particularly in New Jersey. The blog covers regulatory developments, licensing processes for medical marijuana dispensaries, and compliance with state and federal laws. It addresses ethical considerations for attorneys involved in cannabis businesses, expungement reforms related to marijuana convictions, and the challenges of banking and capital for cannabis entrepreneurs. The blog also highlights community reinvestment and social equity initiatives within the cannabis sector. It serves as a resource for legal guidance on cannabis law, policy changes, and industry trends affecting businesses, patients, and legal professionals.
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Latest from CannaBiz
Capital considerations gleaned after another productive RFA process
By Lee Vartan
With yet another RFA deadline behind us and high hopes that those we represented this year will be awarded licenses to bring relief to New Jersey’s growing population of medicinal marijuana patients, I am delighted to be back blogging here.…
Expungement reform in New Jersey – Where are we now?
Major reforms to New Jersey’s expungement law (especially with respect to marijuana-related convictions) appear to be on the horizon – when and in what form remain in question.
Convictions on minor marijuana related offenses continue to follow thousands of individuals…
One-on-One with Lightshade’s Rohan Marley
By Lee Vartan
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting with Rohan Marley, passionate entrepreneur, son of reggae legend Bob Marley and a now-partner with Lightshade – a highly decorated Colorado-based consortium of eight dispensaries recognized by LeafBuyer, Leafly, Business Insider, Westword and…
New Jersey Seeks Significant Expansion of Medical Marijuana Program, Issues RFA for Up To 108 Additional ATCs
By Lee Vartan
On June 3, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Health (“DOH”) issued its latest Request for Applications (“RFA”) for applicants to operate up to 108 Alternative Treatment Centers (“ATCs”), commonly known as medical marijuana dispensaries, across the State.
This latest…
USPTO Issues Guidance on Registrability of Hemp and CBD Related Marks
On May 3, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) relaxed its stance on the trademark registrability of certain types of hemp and cannabidiol (“CBD”) related products and services in light of the 2018 Farm Bill. The USPTO…
Landmark Cannabis Banking Bill Advances to U.S. House Vote
On March 28, 2019, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act cleared a House Financial Services Committee vote 45 to 15, and is now expected to proceed to a full House vote before the end of April 2019. The…
Governor Murphy Sets May Deadline to Legalize Marijuana: What’s Next?
By CSG Law
Legalization of recreational marijuana has proven more difficult for the new administration than expected. A proposed bill, Senate Bill 2703 – and its companion, Assembly Bill 4497 – which would legalize the possession and personal use of small amounts of…
Three predictions for NJ’s cannabis industry in 2019
By Lee Vartan
As we move further along into 2019, the stage is set for what I expect to be a critical year in the trajectory of New Jersey’s cannabis sector. While specifics remain to be seen, there is little doubt that it…
Cautious Optimism: The Cannabis Industry Survives Recent RICO Cases
By CSG Law
The cannabis industry recently survived two lawsuits initiated by private citizens under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). The cases took place in the District of Colorado and the District of Massachusetts, and both saw neighbors of…