Cannabis Industry

November 17, 2017 by Duane Morris

FDA Warns Cannabidiol-Infused Products Manufacturers Over Health Claims

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued warning letters to four companies concerning the marketing of products containing cannabidiol (CBD). FDA alleged that claims made on websites and social media webpages concerning the health benefits of CBD violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The products at issue included CBD-infused oils, edibles, tinctures and creams, and the manufacturers included statements claiming various health benefits from CBD.

To read the full text of this Alert, please visit the Duane Morris website.

November 2, 2017November 3, 2017 by Paul P. Josephson

Appellate Ruling Confirms New Jersey’s Authority to Reschedule Marijuana, But Does Not Mandate Rescheduling

By Paul P. Josephson

In a rare 2-1 decision, New Jersey’s intermediate appeals court has overturned the decision of New Jersey’s Director of Consumer Affairs that he does not have the authority to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule IV substance. The dissent affords the state the right of appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court, and the state quickly confirmed it will appeal.

Contrary to several early press reports, including Associated Press coverage reprinted nationally, the appellate judges did not require the Director to review Schedule I status. Continue reading “Appellate Ruling Confirms New Jersey’s Authority to Reschedule Marijuana, But Does Not Mandate Rescheduling”

November 1, 2017November 3, 2017 by Paul P. Josephson

DM Speaks on New Jersey Recreational Cannabis Bill

By Paul P. Josephson

In anticipation of electing a new governor in November 2017 and enactment of adult use (recreational) cannabis legislation in the first half of 2018, the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association and industry thought leader Weedmaps sponsored the first education seminar on Cannabis Policy, Zoning & Licensing designed for New Jersey public officials on September 14 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Moderated by David O’Brien, Director, East Coast Government Relations, Weedmaps, the panel discussed what constitutes good local cannabis policy, what has worked and not worked in legalized jurisdictions, and how to create a responsible local marketplace for the cannabis industry while ensuring public safety, protecting public health, and deterring youth from use. Continue reading “DM Speaks on New Jersey Recreational Cannabis Bill”

September 22, 2017 by Duane Morris

Know the Law: The Legal Side of a Cannabis Business

Join Duane Morris’ Patricia Heer at the October 12 NYC Women Grow event, “Know the Law: The Legal Side of a Cannabis Business,” in Duane Morris’ New York office, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The panel discussion will address the legal issues that current, future or ancillary businesses need to consider when working in the cannabis space.

Speakers

Patricia H. Heer Special Counsel, Duane Morris, LLP

Deanna Clark-Esposito, Managing Attorney, Clark-Esposito Law Firm, P.C.

Lauren Rudick, Partner, Hiller, PC

For more information and to register, visit the event website.

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 by Duane Morris

Patricia Heer Presenting at 4th Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo in Boston

Duane Morris’ Patricia Heer will be presenting at the 4th Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition in Boston on October 4-6, 2017.

Patricia’s presentation, “Cannabis and Social Media with Some Practical and Legal Implications,” will take place on Friday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m.

The Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Expos are the leading forums for doing business in one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. If you’re employed in the cannabis industry, a current business owner, interested in starting a cannabis business, provide private equity and investment resources, or provide professional or business services, these events provide numerous informative presentations and networking opportunities.

For more information and to register, please visit the event website.

September 15, 2017 by Duane Morris

Should We or Shouldn’t We? – That Is the Question

Over the past few years the number of states that have legalized marijuana in some form has grown substantially to the point where, as of this writing, 29 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for either medical or recreational use. This recent acceptance of marijuana by a significant number of states has created a brand new industry, which is estimated to generate approximately $7.0 billion in 2017 and $24.5 billion by 2025. This industry is clamoring for acceptance into a financial system that allows participants to bring the cash generated into the secure environment afforded by our banking system. This will not only provide security to the marijuana related businesses (“MRBs”), but will also permit better accounting, monitoring, and taxing of funds generated by those businesses.

To read the full text of this article, please visit the Duane Morris LLP website.

August 23, 2017 by Duane Morris

Law Firms Hedge Bets on Marijuana Being Legalized Nationwide

Duane Morris was mentioned in this U.S. News Best States article about law firms that have set up practices that focus on the cannabis industry, with a focus on firms in the Philadelphia area and advising companies on Pennsylvania laws related to the cannabis industry.

July 21, 2017July 26, 2017 by Duane Morris

Is Bankruptcy An Option For Ancillary Marijuana Businesses?

On June 8, 2017, Clifford J. White III, director of the U.S. Trustee Program, proclaimed before a congressional subcommittee that “debtors with assets or income derived from marijuana may not proceed through the bankruptcy system.”

To read the full text of this article, please visit the Duane Morris LLP website.

December 10, 2014February 25, 2025 by Duane Morris

Advice on Medical Marijuana for Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Duane Morris partners Philip Lebowitz and Seth Goldberg published an article in The Legal Intelligencer describing the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers who have clients who may embark on business ventures that involve medical marijuana in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions where the law and the norms are still being formulated. You can read the full text on the Duane Morris website.