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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.

Rhode Island CCC Application Reset
Blog July 28, 2026
Rhode Island CCC Application Reset
Rhode Island's adult-use cannabis retail licensing process has been the subject of a roller coaster ride in the last half year since the submittal deadline, and the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission’s (“CCC” or “Commission”) Friday, July 24, 2026 update gave the clearest picture yet of not just where things stand, but most importantly, where this process is  headed…
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…
Update: Last Call for Rhode Island Adult-Use Retail License Applications!
Blog December 08, 2025
Update: Last Call for Rhode Island Adult-Use Retail License Applications!
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Rhode Island Launches Application Round for up to 24 New Adult-Use Dispensaries
Blog September 16, 2025
Rhode Island Launches Application Round for up to 24 New Adult-Use Dispensaries
After months of anticipation, on September 12, 2025, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission opened the application window for up to 24 new adult-use cannabis retail licenses statewide, which will be divided equally across six geographic zones…
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…
Cannabis Control Commission Petitions to Intervene in Case Concerning the Retroactivity of New HCA Rules
Blog May 23, 2025
Cannabis Control Commission Petitions to Intervene in Case Concerning the Retroactivity of New HCA Rules
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Final RI Cannabis Control Commission Regulations Take Effect as Rhode Island Inches Closer to Adult-Use Dispensary Application Round
Blog May 02, 2025
Final RI Cannabis Control Commission Regulations Take Effect as Rhode Island Inches Closer to Adult-Use Dispensary Application Round
Although the prospect of an expanded recreational market has been on the horizon since 2022 when Rhode Island legalized recreational cannabis, Ocean State residents continue to endure limited access to such products, which can be sold legally only at one of the handful of legacy medical cannabis dispensaries in the state…
Legislature Leaves CCC to Its Own Devices
Blog August 01, 2024
Legislature Leaves CCC to Its Own Devices
With the end of the formal legislative session having come and gone, it appears that the Massachusetts legislature will not answer calls to step in to manage the affairs of the state’s Cannabis Control Commission, which, according to some officials on Beacon Hill, is an agency in disarray…
CCC Quietly Issues Guidance to Greatly Disrupt Advertising Practices
Blog May 29, 2024
CCC Quietly Issues Guidance to Greatly Disrupt Advertising Practices
On May 21, the Cannabis Control Commission quietly published a bulletin on its website that will immediately impact retailers already struggling to maintain footing in the competitive Massachusetts market…
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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
Practice
Labor & Employment
We offer decades of experience helping companies manage their workplace legal issues.

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