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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.

Intoxicating Hemp Companies Facing the Ban Should Consider Federal Bankruptcy Relief Early
Blog November 25, 2025
Intoxicating Hemp Companies Facing the Ban Should Consider Federal Bankruptcy Relief Early
The “loophole” that for years exempted intoxicating hemp from the prohibitions of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) is set to close on November 13, 2026, following the federal ban enacted earlier this month…
Proposed Bill from Joint Cannabis Committee Would Adopt Meaningful Reforms to Struggling Mass. Cannabis Industry
Blog May 28, 2025
Proposed Bill from Joint Cannabis Committee Would Adopt Meaningful Reforms to Struggling Mass. Cannabis Industry
Nearly nine years after voters authorized the regulated sale of adult use cannabis in Massachusetts, the Joint Cannabis Committee is addressing the challenges (and that’s an understatement) the industry is facing with a very meaningful reform bill…
Court Allows Cannabis-Related Company to Liquidate Stock in Bankruptcy
Blog February 10, 2023
Court Allows Cannabis-Related Company to Liquidate Stock in Bankruptcy
While most bankruptcy cases have denied access to federal bankruptcy courts for cannabis and cannabis-related businesses, a Nevada bankruptcy court allowed a chapter 11 case to continue where the Debtor sought to liquidate, for the benefit of its creditors, its shares in a legal Canadian cannabis business. This decision in In re The Hacienda Company, LLC signifies an increasing comfort level by bankruptcy judges to allow federal bankruptcy relief where the debtor is not continuing to…
Employee of Cannabis Dispensary Denied Personal Bankruptcy Relief
Blog January 30, 2023
Employee of Cannabis Dispensary Denied Personal Bankruptcy Relief
In a case of first impression, a bankruptcy court refused to allow an individual to receive bankruptcy relief because he was, and continued to be, employed by a cannabis business.[1]  The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts (Central Division) recently dismissed the chapter 13 bankruptcy case of a debtor who proposed to use his wages from his employment at a marijuana dispensary to fund a chapter 13 plan of reorganization…
United Cannabis Corp.'s Chapter 11 Filing Provide Another Test Case for Industry
Blog April 24, 2020
United Cannabis Corp.'s Chapter 11 Filing Provide Another Test Case for Industry
On April 20, United Cannabis Corporation filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition for reorganization in Colorado.  The Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado has previously dismissed bankruptcy cases for marijuana businesses due to the substances' federally illegal status.  In In re Rent-Rite Super Kegs W. Ltd., 484 B.R. 799 (Bankr. D. Colo. 2012), the court found that there was “cause” under 11 U.S.C. § 1112(b) to dismiss the debtor's Chapter 11 case because the debtor was violating…

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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.

Related Services

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:

Industry
Cannabis
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.
Practice
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.
Practice
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.
Practice
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.
Practice
FDA
We provide the innovative counsel and constant diligence that companies need to bring products to market and have a voice in regulatory processes
Practice
Labor & Employment
We offer decades of experience helping companies manage their workplace legal issues.

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