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Cannabis & the Law

Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific U.S. states and beyond. Our leading, full-service Cannabis Practice is comprised of attorneys with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. Our practice is national and international in scope, as we represent cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.

Massachusetts House and Senate Conferees Agree on Compromise Bill to Implement Significant Changes to Commonwealth's Cannabis Industry
Blog April 06, 2026
Massachusetts House and Senate Conferees Agree on Compromise Bill to Implement Significant Changes to Commonwealth's Cannabis Industry
Earlier today, Massachusetts legislators agreed on a compromise bill to reform the Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”) and implement certain meaningful reforms to help businesses still standing after a few years of strong market downturns…
And They’re Off! Kentucky Cannabis Business License Application Window Opens
Blog July 01, 2024
And They’re Off! Kentucky Cannabis Business License Application Window Opens
As expected, the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis’s online application portal went live. The office is now accepting applications for cannabis business licenses through the online portal, which will remain open until August 31, 2024…
Green Light, Red Light – Local Governments Still Wield Considerable Power as Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program Nears Launch
Blog June 27, 2024
Green Light, Red Light – Local Governments Still Wield Considerable Power as Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program Nears Launch
As the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services gears up to begin accepting cannabis business license applications as early as July 1, 2024, industry stakeholders are keeping a watchful eye on several dormant issues with the potential to stifle the state’s nascent medical cannabis market…
UPDATE: Double Duty – NC Attempts to Tackle Intoxicating Hemp and Medical Marijuana in Single Bill
Blog June 21, 2024
UPDATE: Double Duty – NC Attempts to Tackle Intoxicating Hemp and Medical Marijuana in Single Bill
Yesterday, H.B. 563 passed second reading in the North Carolina Senate by a vote of 33-9. Two additional amendments were considered and adopted prior to the floor vote. One adopted amendment, proposed by Senator Lazarra, made certain technical revisions to the existing bill and also revised the restrictions for “Inhalable Products” to clarify that the restrictions apply to “Inhalable Product[s] for Vaporization.”…
Bloomberg Report: HHS Recommends Marijuana Move to Schedule III
Blog August 30, 2023
Bloomberg Report: HHS Recommends Marijuana Move to Schedule III
Department of Health and Human Services has recommended to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to whom power is delegated under the Controlled Substances Act by the Attorney General, that cannabis be re-scheduled to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act…
Crimson Galeria v. Healthy Pharms: update in commercial cannabis lawsuit
Blog September 11, 2018
Crimson Galeria v. Healthy Pharms: update in commercial cannabis lawsuit
A recent decision in a closely-watched commercial cannabis case opens the possibility for increased commercial activity in the nascent recreational cannabis market in Massachusetts.  On August 21, Judge Burroughs of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a memorandum and order on motions to dismiss in Crimson Galeria Limited Partnership, et al. v. Healthy Pharms, Inc., et al, granting a victory for the named government defendants (Massachusetts Department of…
A New Washington State Study Should Raise Alarm for Massachusetts Regulators
Blog November 30, 2017
A New Washington State Study Should Raise Alarm for Massachusetts Regulators
If you accept the findings of a year-long study by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, Massachusetts regulators have a substantial challenge in store to ensure that legal cannabis is not diverted to minors, across state lines and to the black market.  At risk is more than the public health and safety consequences of diversion, but also the Commonwealth's ability to comply with the federal directives of the so-called Cole Memorandum…
That Was Quick: CCC to Debate Draft Regulations Each Day Week of Dec. 11
Blog November 27, 2017
That Was Quick: CCC to Debate Draft Regulations Each Day Week of Dec. 11
Statehouse News (sub. req.) reports that the Cannabis Control Commission will unveil draft regulations for public discussion the week of December 11. The CCC plans to hold meetings every day that week to discuss and debate draft regulations, then vote the following week. Following publication of the Draft Regulations, the CCC would as required by state law accept public comments before debating final regulations…
Watch: New Massachusetts Cannabis Law – What it Means
Blog August 22, 2017
Watch: New Massachusetts Cannabis Law – What it Means
Governor Charlie Baker has recently signed a bill that substantially reworks the voter-approved 2016 referendum legalizing a regulated market for adult-use cannabis – and now licensing of adult use establishments is just eight short months away. Foley Hoag presented a webinar that examines the recent changes to the Massachusetts regulatory framework for both medical and adult use operators enacted by the Legislature in its omnibus cannabis legislation, Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017…
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About Our Blog

Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific U.S. states and beyond. Our leading, full-service Cannabis Practice is comprised of attorneys with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. Our practice is national and international in scope, as we represent cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.

We have developed this blog specifically to track the regulatory framework for the cannabis industry and provide insight on legal issues of concern to cannabis businesses.

Our focus will include reporting legal developments and providing commentary on:

  • Legislative developments;
  • Regulatory and policy enactments;
  • The appointment and constitution of the Cannabis Control Commission;
  • The impact of recreational cannabis regulation on the existing medical marijuana regulatory framework;
  • Developments in federal law;
  • Municipal issues;
  • Corporate considerations;
  • Employment issues; and
  • Policy matters.

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We have been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization across the U.S. Learn more about our practices and focus areas within the cannabis industry:

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We have been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization across the U.S.
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Mergers & Acquisitions
Our experienced M&A attorneys handle transactions of all sizes; clients tell us that we add value to their deals because we understand their business, the market in which they compete and how the transaction fits into their larger business goals.
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Real Estate & Development
We represent owners, developers, landlords and tenants on the full range of development projects from residential to commercial to public infrastructure. Our real estate and development lawyers help our clients develop successful strategies, obtain government approvals and secure project financing.
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Tax
Leveraging decades of experience gained in private practice, Big Four tax consulting and government practice, our Tax Group can advise you on myriad complex domestic and international tax matters.
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FDA
We provide the innovative counsel and constant diligence that companies need to bring products to market and have a voice in regulatory processes
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Labor & Employment
We offer decades of experience helping companies manage their workplace legal issues.

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