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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.

Last Call for Delaware Applications: Some tips for Applicants
Blog September 11, 2024
Last Call for Delaware Applications: Some tips for Applicants
License hunters may have whiplash with state application processes in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio (10(b) licenses) barely in the rearview mirror, but Delaware’s new license application deadline is fast approaching…
The New Normal: Another Round of Competitive State License Applications Released
Blog October 07, 2019
The New Normal: Another Round of Competitive State License Applications Released
The ink is barely dry on the New Jersey ATC and Missouri medical marijuana facility applications that so many of us assembled this August. Yet now, a new round of states have issued applications for competitive cannabis licenses. Below we discuss the qualifications, requirements, deadlines and other relevant information for the Illinois (adult use), Michigan (adult use) and Texas (medical; .5% THC) applications. Illinois Dispensaries The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional…
Massachusetts Clarifies Law on Hemp and CBD Sales
Blog June 24, 2019
Massachusetts Clarifies Law on Hemp and CBD Sales
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) and the state's Department of Health (“DPH”) have issued new guidance on the sale of Hemp and Hemp-derived cannabanoids, (namely, CBD) products in Massachusetts…
A New Washington State Study Should Raise Alarm for Massachusetts Regulators
Blog November 30, 2017
A New Washington State Study Should Raise Alarm for Massachusetts Regulators
If you accept the findings of a year-long study by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, Massachusetts regulators have a substantial challenge in store to ensure that legal cannabis is not diverted to minors, across state lines and to the black market.  At risk is more than the public health and safety consequences of diversion, but also the Commonwealth's ability to comply with the federal directives of the so-called Cole Memorandum…
That Was Quick: CCC to Debate Draft Regulations Each Day Week of Dec. 11
Blog November 27, 2017
That Was Quick: CCC to Debate Draft Regulations Each Day Week of Dec. 11
Statehouse News (sub. req.) reports that the Cannabis Control Commission will unveil draft regulations for public discussion the week of December 11. The CCC plans to hold meetings every day that week to discuss and debate draft regulations, then vote the following week. Following publication of the Draft Regulations, the CCC would as required by state law accept public comments before debating final regulations…
Watch: New Massachusetts Cannabis Law – What it Means
Blog August 22, 2017
Watch: New Massachusetts Cannabis Law – What it Means
Governor Charlie Baker has recently signed a bill that substantially reworks the voter-approved 2016 referendum legalizing a regulated market for adult-use cannabis – and now licensing of adult use establishments is just eight short months away. Foley Hoag presented a webinar that examines the recent changes to the Massachusetts regulatory framework for both medical and adult use operators enacted by the Legislature in its omnibus cannabis legislation, Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017…
The Bill Has Landed
Blog July 18, 2017
The Bill Has Landed
No sooner said than done, the long-awaited conference committee bill amending Chapter 334 of the Acts of 2016 (the adult use cannabis referendum) has been released.  Our complete summary of the new legislation and a comparison to the referendums original language can be viewed here: Summary of Cannabis Legislation Some big picture highlights: (1) The referendum's one year head start for many medical marijuana licensees has been eliminated…
Where is the Bill?
Blog July 13, 2017
Where is the Bill?
We are more than two weeks now since the passage of the House and Senates competing legislation overhauling the framework regulation and taxation of adult use cannabis adopted by Massachusetts voters in November. In general, the Senate hewed closer to the language and intent of the referendum, while the House repealed the voter-passed law in its entirety in favor of a total rewrite.  Then three legislators from each chamber were swiftly appointed to a conference committee to reconcile the…
What a Difference a Chamber Makes: Comparison of the House and Senate Adult Use Marijuana Bills
Blog June 21, 2017
What a Difference a Chamber Makes: Comparison of the House and Senate Adult Use Marijuana Bills
The House and Senate have now formally introduced their competing bills overhauling the adult use cannabis law enacted by referendum by the Massachusetts voters. And what a difference a chamber makes! The House bill is almost 100 pages, repeals the entirety of both the medical use and adult use laws currently on the books, limits adult use entities to only one type of each license (retail, cultivator, and product manufacturer)…
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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.

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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:

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FDA
We provide the innovative counsel and constant diligence that companies need to bring products to market and have a voice in regulatory processes
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Labor & Employment
We offer decades of experience helping companies manage their workplace legal issues.

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