News & Insights
U.S. HHS Recommends Cannabis Move to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act
On August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis, currently a schedule I controlled substance, be reclassified as a schedule III controlled substance under U.S. federal law. This recommendation, if adopted by the DEA, could have a monumental impact on the U.S. state legal cannabis industry.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Regulate Hemp-Derived CBD
On July 20, 2023, the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress. The long-awaited legislation, originally introduced in 2021, would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate ingestible hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products the same as other foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.
Everything You Wanted to Know about the NY Cannabis “Farmers Market” Program
On July 19, 2023, The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) unveiled comprehensive guidelines outlining regulations and prerequisites for adult-use licensees interested in participating in the highly anticipated Cannabis Growers Showcases (CGS). This initiative, introduced under the umbrella of the New York Cannabis Law, presents licensed cultivators and processors from the state with an exclusive platform to present their products at events, where consumers can purchase directly from licensed retailers.
Understanding the FDA’s New Guidelines for Psychedelic Drug Development and Research
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released draft guidance for researchers to consider when conducting clinical trials of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs.
Chicago Atlantic Commits $150 million to New York Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 30 that Chicago Atlantic Admin LLC has committed an investment of $150 million in the state’s Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund. The funds will be disbursed as low-interest loans and provide hope for needed financing for justice-impacted individuals leading companies that have received Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses.
Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Decision Expected by the End of the Year
The secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Services has suggested we may know by the end of this year whether cannabis will be rescheduled or descheduled from the Controlled Substances Act, which may be the key to a new revived “green rush” of capital into the financially-challenged cannabis industry.
New York Updates Proposed Adult Use Dispensary Regulations
Feldman Legal Advisors is pleased to share the recent changes to the New York State proposed adult use cannabis revised regulations, which were released by the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) last week.
5 Tips to a Successful “Distressed” Cannabis/Psychedelics Acquisition
Whether players in the cannabis and psychedelics industries like it or not, the era of acquisitions of troubled or struggling companies is here. Access to capital, the mother’s milk of these industries, has been severely restricted for over a year. As losses continue, debt matures and defaults grow, businesses seek strategic alternatives including M&A.