Cannabis was a hot topic during Oregon’s 2021 legislative session. Although only 8 of the over 30 bills introduced were signed into law, some of these will have a significant impact on the industry, including a sweeping change in how Oregon regulates hemp. Below is a summary of the more notable bills that passed: Senate Bill 96 (SB 96) and House Bill 3000 (HB 3000) These two bills signal a significant shift in the oversight…

Watching the hypocracy of Sha’Carri and her punishment unfold has been challenging. Right out the gate, President Biden’s response is tone deaf as ever on the subject. Throwing in at the end that he is proud of her response, which was her acceptance of responsibility and apology, shows no particular or further insight. It goes without saying this industry would not exist without people being willing to break the rules. So, yes, “the rules are…

In the states where cannabis is legal, there are several choices concerning which type of marijuana-related business that you can start. While each business is different, there are some commonalities. Whether you start a retail, processing, or growing business, you will first need to craft a plan and conduct research on the current market you plan to enter. To be sure, your background and experience may also play a role in deciding which type of…

The cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. Forty-seven states have legalized cannabis in at least some form—as CBD oil or for medical or recreational use—and it may only be a matter of time before marijuana is legal nationwide. With the unyielding demand for the drug, coupled with recent changes in the law, you may be interested in starting your own marijuana business. But where do you start? And, more…

What has long been a major handicap to the cannabis industry may finally be coming to an end. As federal law currently stands, financial institutions in states where marijuana is still illegal cannot provide services to cannabis-related businesses. For these banks, proceeds from cannabis-related transactions are considered proceeds from unlawful transactions, which allows the government to seize those proceeds and prosecute the banks for money laundering. However, recent legislative developments suggest that this policy may…

In a move that comports with New Jersey’s recent legalization and decriminalization of marijuana, the state’s Attorney General directed law enforcement agencies to stop arrests for minor marijuana offenses and for prosecutors to immediately dismiss all such pending criminal charges. The policy change comes at a time when New Jersey is preparing a framework for the regulation of the legal cannabis industry. In November of last year, New Jersey residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana.…