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Cannabis & the Law

Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific U.S. states and beyond. Our leading, full-service Cannabis Practice is comprised of attorneys with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. Our practice is national and international in scope, as we represent cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.

UPDATE: DEA Publishes Registration Applications for Medical Marijuana Manufacturers, Distributors, and Analytical Labs
Blog October 08, 2026
UPDATE: DEA Publishes Registration Applications for Medical Marijuana Manufacturers, Distributors, and Analytical Labs
In the past 48 hours, DEA has now published registration links specific to medical marijuana manufacturers, distributors, and analytical labs on its Diversion Control Division online registration portal…
DEA Inspections and Information Requests: What You Need to Know
Blog July 24, 2026
DEA Inspections and Information Requests: What You Need to Know
While the medical marijuana rescheduling order made clear that the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) would prioritize the review of medical marijuana applications submitted during the first sixty (60) days of the application window, we are watching now the details and process of that review come into picture…
DEA Application Portal for Expedited Registration of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries is Now Open
Blog April 30, 2026
DEA Application Portal for Expedited Registration of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries is Now Open
As previewed in our recent blog posts (here and here), the DEA application portal for expedited registration of medical marijuana dispensaries is now open and businesses are currently able to submit applications…
DOJ Immediately Reschedules State-Licensed Medical Cannabis to Schedule III — and Restarts the Clock
Blog April 23, 2026
DOJ Immediately Reschedules State-Licensed Medical Cannabis to Schedule III — and Restarts the Clock
After years of false starts, the federal government has finally moved on cannabis rescheduling — at least partially. On April 23, 2026, the Department of Justice issued an Order immediately placing cannabis “subject to a state medical marijuana license” in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Simultaneously, the DEA announced an expedited administrative hearing — set to begin June 29, 2026 — to address the broader rescheduling of all cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III…
Massachusetts House and Senate Conferees Agree on Compromise Bill to Implement Significant Changes to Commonwealth's Cannabis Industry
Blog April 06, 2026
Massachusetts House and Senate Conferees Agree on Compromise Bill to Implement Significant Changes to Commonwealth's Cannabis Industry
Earlier today, Massachusetts legislators agreed on a compromise bill to reform the Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”) and implement certain meaningful reforms to help businesses still standing after a few years of strong market downturns…
Media Reports President Trump to Issue Impending Executive Order on Cannabis Rescheduling: Legal Process, Limitations, and Next Steps
Blog December 16, 2025
Media Reports President Trump to Issue Impending Executive Order on Cannabis Rescheduling: Legal Process, Limitations, and Next Steps
According to numerous media reports, President Donald Trump is strongly considering issuing an executive order directing federal agencies to resume the process rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act…
Navigating IRC Section 280E: Current Updates for Cannabis Taxpayers
Blog September 18, 2025
Navigating IRC Section 280E: Current Updates for Cannabis Taxpayers
With October’s deadline for taxpayers on tax return filing extension for tax year 2024, this alert provides updates to our post in May on the exploding trend of cannabis tax filers taking the uncertain tax position that Internal Revenue Code Section 280E is inapplicable…
Lone Star State Takes Texas-Sized Leap Forward on Medical Cannabis
Blog August 11, 2025
Lone Star State Takes Texas-Sized Leap Forward on Medical Cannabis
While the world is watching Texas’ special legislative session for its high drama on redistricting and hemp, on Friday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (“DPS”) released information on the required Supplemental Application Narrative and Forms that must be completed to remain eligible to receive a Dispensing Organization license for all 139 applicants that applied for licenses in 2023 and prior…
Proposed Bill from Joint Cannabis Committee Would Adopt Meaningful Reforms to Struggling Mass. Cannabis Industry
Blog May 28, 2025
Proposed Bill from Joint Cannabis Committee Would Adopt Meaningful Reforms to Struggling Mass. Cannabis Industry
Nearly nine years after voters authorized the regulated sale of adult use cannabis in Massachusetts, the Joint Cannabis Committee is addressing the challenges (and that’s an understatement) the industry is facing with a very meaningful reform bill…
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About Our Blog

Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific U.S. states and beyond. Our leading, full-service Cannabis Practice is comprised of attorneys with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. Our practice is national and international in scope, as we represent cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.

We have developed this blog specifically to track the regulatory framework for the cannabis industry and provide insight on legal issues of concern to cannabis businesses.

Our focus will include reporting legal developments and providing commentary on:

  • Legislative developments;
  • Regulatory and policy enactments;
  • The appointment and constitution of the Cannabis Control Commission;
  • The impact of recreational cannabis regulation on the existing medical marijuana regulatory framework;
  • Developments in federal law;
  • Municipal issues;
  • Corporate considerations;
  • Employment issues; and
  • Policy matters.

Related Services

We have been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization across the U.S. Learn more about our practices and focus areas within the cannabis industry:

Industry
Cannabis
We have been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization across the U.S.
Practice
Mergers & Acquisitions
Our experienced M&A attorneys handle transactions of all sizes; clients tell us that we add value to their deals because we understand their business, the market in which they compete and how the transaction fits into their larger business goals.
Practice
Real Estate & Development
We represent owners, developers, landlords and tenants on the full range of development projects from residential to commercial to public infrastructure. Our real estate and development lawyers help our clients develop successful strategies, obtain government approvals and secure project financing.
Practice
Tax
Leveraging decades of experience gained in private practice, Big Four tax consulting and government practice, our Tax Group can advise you on myriad complex domestic and international tax matters.
Practice
FDA
We provide the innovative counsel and constant diligence that companies need to bring products to market and have a voice in regulatory processes
Practice
Labor & Employment
We offer decades of experience helping companies manage their workplace legal issues.

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