Licensing Blog

On March 12, 2025, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (“FDACS”) new amendments to Rule 5K-4.034, Florida Administrative Code (“F.A.C”) went into effect. From packaging and labeling requirements to product development restrictions, Rule 5K-4.034 governs all consumable hemp products in the Sunshine State. With the amendments now in effect, it is crucial for operators to understand these changes …

It has been over two years since Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., signed Virgin Islands Cannabis Act into law — a pivotal move aimed at expanding the U.S. Virgin Islands’ cannabis industry and facilitating the expungement of certain cannabis-related convictions within the territory. Now, after nearly a year since the Governor approved the Office of Cannabis Regulations’ (“OCR”) final proposed regulations, …

Two months after Amendment 3 fell short of the required supermajority approval, Smart and Safe Florida is renewing its push to legalize recreational cannabis in the Sunshine State. This Tuesday, the campaign’s revised proposal was approved by the state Division of Elections, aiming for a spot on the 2026 ballot. However, with Governor Ron DeSantis (R) firmly opposing adult-use cannabis …

As Colorado kicks off 2025 by opening applications for psilocybin businesses, other states may soon follow suit. Nevada and Minnesota’s Psychedelics Task Forces have recommended implementing regulated psychedelic programs and reducing criminal penalties. Following the FDA’s denial of MAPS’ new drug application for MDMA-assisted therapy last year, state Task Force reports highlight a familiar divide: states are advancing faster than …

On the cusp of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (“OMMU”) announced the twenty-two (22) applicants it sent Notice of Intent Letters to approve their April 2023 MMTC Batching Cycle applications. Over a year and a half since their application submission, these twenty-two (22) companies were selected from a pool of seventy-four (74) …

The cannabis industry is evolving beyond traditional retail, with on-site consumption lounges becoming a growing trend across the United States. Joining states such as Alaska, Nevada, and Colorado, New Jersey and California have stepped up as leaders in cannabis hospitality, paving the way for innovative and immersive experiences. These states are among a select few that now permit adults to …

Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced plans to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, sparking widespread anticipation for the upcoming Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) hearing. However, the DEA has now delayed the hearing originally scheduled for December 2nd. Despite DEA Administrator Anne Milgram approving over two dozen witnesses, Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney issued …

Despite both presidential candidates voicing their support for cannabis reform, the 2024 election brought disappointment to cannabis advocates, with only one out of five states approving cannabis initiatives. With 38 states legalizing medical cannabis and 24 allowing adult-use, many are left wondering what it will take for the remaining states to embrace legalization. Even as the federal government holds hearings …

From failing to acquire the requisite number of signatures in 2022 to prior ballot language being rejected due to noncompliance with the single subject rule, Nebraska advocates strategically designed their ballot initiatives this year to ensure third times a charm in legalizing medical cannabis in the Cornhusker State. However, opposition in the form of a lawsuit brought by former Senator …