News & Events

Media Article

Marijuana Firms Eaze, Green Dragon Find New Life After $10 Million Capital Infusion

“The medical market continues to grow, and there is still not enough medical cannabis to meet market demand,” Savchenko said

Media Interview

US Virgin Islands Open Up Licenses & The Growth Of Psychedelics

We get a chance to discuss the work she’s doing in the US Virgin Islands as previously dormant medical license offerings eventually come to life (and recreational too). We also discuss in some detail her ever growing psychedelic practice and the work she’s doing in various states.

Media Interview

Amendment 3 Flamed Out. What's Next for Florida's Cannabis Industry?

“I’m sure there will be another push for a recreational marijuana ballot initiative again, and also for the legislature to pass recreational marijuana as well,” said attorney Paula Savchenko

Media Interview

Marijuana Industry Still Has Hope for Florida After Failure of Amendment 3

"Due to the strong push for legalization, we will likely see a second campaign for legalization underway to acquire enough signatures to be placed on the 2026 ballot," Paula Savchenko said

Media Interview

Cannabis Reform Stumbles In 2024 Elections: A State-By-State Breakdown As Stocks Take A Hit

"Following the adoption of the Commission's regulations the market may open as early as Summer 2026," Paula Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Nebraska Says Yes To Medical Cannabis After Years Of Failed Legalization Attempts: Here's What You Need To Know

“Following the adoption of the Commission's regulations, the Commission must grant medical cannabis business licenses by October 1, 2025,” Savchenko said.

Media Interview

North Dakotans Reject Measure To Legalize Recreational Cannabis, 'Keeping A Shadow Over Their Garden'

"Due to the failure to pass Measure 5, individuals in the state can still face criminal penalties for possession—from a criminal infraction of up to a $1,000 fine to a Class A misdemeanor," said Paula Savchenko

Media Interview

More Than 100 Counties, Cities Vote for Medical Cannabis for 2024 Election

“A lot of the time it takes taking the regulators and local government to a facility that’s already operating so that they can see that it is legitimate, it is safe, that it is a benefit for patients and the community as a whole,” said Paula Savchenko

Media Interview

Election Day Holds Promise for Marijuana Industry Reforms Across United States

“There is some concern (among the industry) for how it’s going to be handled since they haven’t been super specific,” said Paula Savchenko

Media Interview

Exploring the US Virgin Islands Cannabis License Application Process

"Its a competitive process at the state and local level. You need attorneys, lobbyists - its costly," Savchenko said.

Media Article

Cannabis Reform in Paradise: Unlocking Opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands

"Starting as soon as November 4, the OCR will begin accepting applications for licenses; however, the OCR will be conducting application periods in staggered windows as demonstrated in their estimated timeline," Savchenko said.

Media Article

With Potential Changes in Cannabis Laws And Banking, What Will The Cannabis Market Look Like In 2025, And How Will These Changes (Or Lack Thereof) Impact It?

"If cannabis is rescheduled to Schedule III under the [CSA], current operators will be able to utilize prior inaccessible benefits as Section 280E would no longer apply," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

U.S. Virgin Islands Marijuana Business Licenses: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know

“Having a strong application is crucial,” Savchenko notes. “It’s not just about what you say; it’s about how you present it. Regulators want to see a well-thought-out plan that addresses their concerns and demonstrates your commitment to compliance.”

Media Interview

Cannabis Is Now Legal In Many US States – But Can The Smell Get You In Trouble?

Some states, Savchenko says, require cannabis manufacturing businesses to submit an odor control smell plan before they’ll provide them licenses.

Media Interview

Georgia Hemp Community Responds to Hurricane, New Regulations

Savchenko told MJBizDaily that they affect about 80% of products currently on the shelves at hemp retailers.

Media Interview

With 70% In Favor, Could Nebraska's Cannabis Program Unlock Underserved Markets? Local Expert Weighs In

"Even though the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act requires regulations to be finalized by July 1, 2025, prospective business operators should begin preparing now," Savchenko concluded.

Media Interview

Nebraska & Florida Insights – Two Opposite Poles

"States are taking 2 to 5 years to pass recreational," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Trump's Cannabis Support Could Shake Up Florida's Recreational Marijuana Vote

"The people who strongly support him are more likely to go out and vote for policies he stands behind," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Alabama Judge Considers Revising Order That’s Stalled Medical Marijuana Licensing

“It’s just really going to hurt the industry because you’re going to have groups that are paying to keep their licenses operational while they don’t even have outlets to fill them into,” Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Legal Weed Can Have a Considerable Impact on Delaware's Economy

"Delaware’s cannabis industry is poised at a pivotal moment of transformation. As the state embraces its new legislation and navigates the complexities of implementing a new cannabis program, the potential for economic growth, job creation and social equity becomes increasingly apparent," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Countdown Begins for Medical Cannabis Applications

“I would say number one is making sure that they’re in compliance with the regulations. As far as, the ownership restrictions applying for licenses in the same or different localities. That’s really important just because, you know, if that side of it isn’t done properly, then you can unfortunately disqualify yourself, even if you have everything else,” Savchenko said.

Media Interview

From Strategy to Licenses: Paula Savchenko’s Blueprint for Winning in the Cannabis Market

"The best approach to tackling a competitive application process is staying current with each state’s perspective on cannabis reform from the Governor to the local communities that our clients desire to operate," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Owner of Newly-Licensed Medical Cannabis Cultivator Speaks on the Future of Cannabis in AL

“The downfall in my opinion of the process was due to the back-and-forth from the AMCC once it was time for the licenses to be issued, and the rushed timeframe for them to review all application materials, presentations, and the like," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Alabama’s Cannabis Outlook has been ‘Underrated,’ says Consultant

"I think Alabama has been really underrated as a market, and I’m not really sure why," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Third Time's a Charm? North Dakota Has Another Chance to Legalize Adult-use Cannabis

"Due to its prior rejections, it is now vital the pro-legalization campaign emphasizes the measure's potential for increasing economic growth and job development, as well as reducing the burden on law enforcement to allow them to more effectively allocate their resources to other crises, such as the fentanyl and opioid epidemics," Savchenko said.

Media Interview

KY’s Medical Cannabis Law Application Window Ends Aug. 31

"I think what's happening is that people are just waiting to submit their applications until closer to the deadline," Savchenko noted. "Because it does take some time to get all the pieces together and ready to submit."

Media Interview

Start Date Picked for Recreational Marijuana Sales in Ohio

“As far as the way that the licensing process is currently going, where the existing operators are able to apply for and get additional licenses, that’s actually very unique,” Savchenko said. “You don’t see that in most states, where the existing license holders are getting priority for additional licenses. You typically just see where the existing license holders have the first opportunity to turn over to recreational as opposed to get more licenses.”

Media Interview

Ohio Bill Would Allow Impaired Driving Test For Marijuana, But Does It Work?

“I think it’s going to be really difficult to use this as concrete evidence,” Savchenko said. “Just because someone smoked this morning and they’re driving at 6 p.m. doesn’t mean that they’re still high.”

Media Interview

Recreational Marijuana Sales in Ohio Inch Closer with First Harvests and Certifications

“This is actually typical in most states where the cultivators and manufacturers will get the licenses first before the retailers, because the cultivators and manufacturers need to be able to produce the product to supply the retail stores,” Savchenko said.

Media Interview

Cannabis Rescheduling & Removal of 280E: Industry Leaders Weigh In

"Operators must utilize the prior inaccessible benefits to their advantage such as Research and Development (R&D) tax credits . . . For example, cultivators may qualify for the R&D credit by experimenting with new farming methods to increase crop yield."

Media Interview

California Cannabis Operators Pivot to Comply with New Vape Law

“With the support of the state’s cannabis industry leaders behind these legislative endeavors, licensed cannabis companies will play an instrumental role in decreasing fires in the materials-management systems across the state,” said Savchenko, founder of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group in South Florida.

Media Interview

Paula Savchenko of Cannacore Group Discusses Medical Marijuana Legalization (NC)

Paula Savchenko, a founding partner of Cannacore Group advocating for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the ongoing legislative efforts.

Media Interview

They're Losing a Lot of Money': This is What’s Holding up Hemp Sales in Florida

Savchenko said it leaves business owners like Meara in a state of limbo, as inspectors scour entire inventories before issuing a report to allow the products to be sold.

Media Interview

Why Some Northeast Ohio Communities are Banning Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries, and Why Others Are Buying In

“A lot of the time, they are just using [moratoriums] as an excuse. They just want to kind of kick the can down the road and deal with it later,” Savchenko said. “It’s somewhat of a cop out. I mean, there’s some truth to it. But it is a cop out.”

Media Interview

Florida's Buzz: DeSantis Criticizes Recreational Marijuana Initiative

“You're still not going to be seeing people smoking on corners, and we don't have any regulations for cannabis lounges currently so that really shouldn't be a concern,” Savchenko said.

Media Interview

The Emerging Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy: Education and Certification

“State agencies must ensure certification programs uphold best practices, especially given the heightened vulnerability of patients during and after psychedelic sessions,” Savchenko explains.

Media Interview

Cannabis Industry Fights for Florida

"Businesses are preparing for the best outcome, but I think they're ready for anything that might happen," attorney Savchenko said. "If recreational use fails, it will be upsetting. But the industry will quickly get back up on its feet and look for its next initiative."

Media Article

South Florida Business and Wealth Magazine: 2024 Prestigious Women's Awards

Owners and Partners - Health and Wellness

Media Interview

Budsfeed: How It Started

Achieving Licensure with Paula Savchenko, Esq., Founding Partner of Cannacore Group & PS Law Group

Media Interview

“Q&A: How Would Legal Recreational Marijuana Work in Florida?”

“A lot of people have the concern that, ‘Oh no, they are going to do this without regulations,'” Savchenko said. “That’s just not the reality of what is going to happen.”

Media Article

Florida’s Weed Laws Could Be Changing Very Soon

“From a realistic perspective, we need regulations in place to administer the process,” says Savchenko. “So the legislature may pass legislation, then the department of health moves forward with regulation, then all the license holders could start selling recreational cannabis.”

Media Interview

Cannabis Licensing and Regulatory Compliance Challenges and Opportunities

Paula Savchenko, Esq. Founder, Cannacore Group discusses cannabis licensing and regulatory compliance and the challenges and opportunities therein.

Media Article

Advice For Aspiring Female Cannabis Professionals: Industry Leaders Weigh In

The cannabis industry is such a small world, you never truly know how important of a role someone can play in your life when you first meet them.

Media Article

Pending bill would accelerate Kentucky medical marijuana licensing, not expand conditions

“Let's say somebody has a turnkey facility and they're ready to go, put plants in the ground on day one of getting their license,” Savchenko said. “It's still going to take four months before they can turn that around and get it into a store.”

Media Interview

Medical Marijuana Eligibility Would Expand in Kentucky Under a New GOP Bill

“This is definitely a win for both patients, as well as all businesses involved in the cannabis industry, as well as the ancillary businesses,” Savchenko said.

Media Article

Florida CBD Retailers Worry Statewide Hemp Legislation Will Crush Them

Savchenko opposes the hemp bills, saying the Legislature is picking winners and losers, like "telling the liquor industry they can only make Cabernet Sauvignon wine."

Media Interview

Meet Paula Savchenko, Esq.

We recently connected with Paula Savchenko, Esq. founding partner of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group, and have shared our conversation below.

Media Interview

Wisdom From The Women Leading The Cannabis Industry, With Paula Savchenko

As a part of my series about strong women leaders in the cannabis industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Paula Savchenko, Esq., Founding Partner of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group.

Media Interview

Medical marijuana in Kentucky likely won't be available the first day it's legal

"It's very unlikely that we will actually see dispensaries that are able to sell cannabis on January 1st of 2025," Paula Savchenko with Cannacore Group said.

Media Article

Cannacore Group and PS Law Group: The Sunshine State’s 2024 Legislative Session: What’s to Come?

On January 9th, 2024, the state of Florida’s 2024 legislative session began. With daily headlines surrounding Florida’s billion-dollar marijuana market, many are keeping a close eye on the Sunshine State to see how its marijuana industry develops in the new year.

Media Article

Tampa Bay Times: Florida Black Farmers were promised equity in marijuana. Some question it.

A state program authorized in 2017 to provide a Black farmer with a medical marijuana license hasn’t lived up to its promise, lawyers, advocates and applicants said.

Press Release

Canncore Group Takes 1st Place with Highest Score in the Alabama Medical Cannabis Cultivation License; AMCC Stays the Licensure Process.

On June 12th, 2023, Pure by Sirmon Farms, LLC was notified in the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission ("AMCC") meeting that they were one (1) of four (4) applicants intended to be awarded a lucrative cultivation license in Alabama's soon-to-be booming medical cannabis industry.

Press Release

Cannacore Group Offers Licensing Consulting Services

For Applicants in Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, & the US Virgin Islands.