Zero-tolerance drug policies in the workplace are an endangered species. Traditional drug laws and policies as they relate to the workplace are being upended, and employers are increasingly struggling to grapple with the patchwork of state drug-testing laws – that oftentimes conflict with federal law – as well as the proliferation of legal THC-containing products derived from hemp.
Continue Reading The End of Zero-Tolerance Drug Policies
On April 11, 2024, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released his 2024 Interim Legislative Charges. This list indicates his goals for the upcoming legislative session, and among his priorities ahead of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session are “further regulat[ing] the sale of Delta 8 and Delta 9” and “stop[ping]
Continue Reading Texas Politicians Take Aim at Hemp-Derived THC
The recent proliferation of intoxicating hemp products containing “hemp-derived” THC in Massachusetts restaurants, liquor stores, and convenience shops has sparked a debate among state officials.
Continue Reading “Hemp-Derived” THC in Massachusetts: Navigating the Regulatory Maze
Participants in the federally legal hemp industry are already required to navigate a complex web of federal and state laws. However, in light of changes that have occurred and will continue to occur throughout 2024, hemp businesses must be prepared to pivot on a moment’s notice throughout the coming months.
Continue Reading Hemp Industry 2024: State and Federal Changes
A hard lesson was learned after cannabis was discovered in a suitcase at the airport: the government does not have to prove cannabis is marijuana to convict you of trafficking in marijuana. A new case recently clarified that the legal burden shifts and requires the accused to produce evidence that
Continue Reading Hemp in Your Suitcase Can Get You Convicted of Trafficking in Marijuana
On May 19, 2022, the United State Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in a landmark case regarding the legality of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC). The court held, in AK Futures LLC v. Boyd Street Distro, LLC, that the plain and unambiguous text of the 2018 Agricultural
Continue Reading Federal Court Rules Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC is Lawful
On Thursday, May 19, 2022, the Ninth Circuit ruled that hemp-derived products which contain delta-8 THC are currently legal under federal law, and entitled to trademark protection.
Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Holds Delta-8 THC Products Are Federally Legal
On May 4, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent out warning letters to five companies distributing Delta-8 THC (FDA Warning Letters). This is the first time that the FDA specifically addressed products containing hemp-derived Delta-8. In all but one of the letters, the FDA also warned about distributing
Fresh off a vote today, December 28, 2021, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) approved new rules which will affect cannabis – including both hemp and marijuana – businesses throughout Oregon state. Many of the rule changes that were voted on
Continue Reading Big Changes Coming for Oregon Cannabis Businesses in 2022
As of today, New Jersey opened the state’s marijuana license application period, allowing individuals and businesses to apply for licenses to be marijuana cultivators and manufacturers in that state. With more and more states implementing marijuana programs and still more states expanding their programs from medical to adult use, if
Continue Reading The Comprehensive Marijuana License Application Primer