Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (popularly referred to as THC) is widely considered the rock star of cannabinoids. However, Delta-9-THC isn’t the only cannabinoid with psychoactive effects that is emerging on the scene. In fact, it was forced to share the spotlight with its lesser-known cousin, Delta-8-THC, in a recent Rolling Stone article. Does this mean we should expect to see a new cannabinoid rising star on the horizon?

As Rolling Stone highlighted in its article, there is good reason to buy into the hype surrounding Delta-8.

In some ways, Delta-8 sounds too good to be true. But it isn’t. For people who want to feel the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 yet find it gives them paranoia or anxiety, Delta-8 is a quasi-legal option available online. And unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 is significantly cheaper, making it a viable option for some people looking for a short uplifting feeling without being intoxicated. But judging by how much attention Delta-8 has been getting by law enforcement, the trend might be short-lived. Despite the burgeoning success of Delta-8 over the past year, any day can be the cannabinoid’s last.

In fact, the two analog cannabinoids share a lot in common. They are nearly identical … Keep reading

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a record-setting year for the cannabis industry, and indications suggest 2021 will continue the trend. Years of steady growth in the cannabis industry shined in 2020 with record levels of sales growth, significant legalization reforms, and re-emerging optimism in the cannabis capital markets.

Sales Growth:

Sales of medical and recreational cannabis set all-time records in both mature cannabis markets, such as Colorado (sales figures for medical and recreational cannabis exceeded $2 billion, up from $1.7 billion in 2019 and $1.5 billion in 2018) and Oregon (annual sales surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2020), and emerging markets, such as Illinois (sales surpassed $1 billion for the first time). One factor that contributed to these all-time highs resulted from dozens of states – and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico – declaring their cannabis industries “essential,” allowing cannabis operators to remain open and operational throughout the pandemic. Notably, one exception was the Commonwealth Massachusetts, where the governor closed adult-use cannabis businesses for two months but declared medical cannabis companies as “essential.” Despite the governor’s actions, Massachusetts sales still set records – hitting $700 million in sales, up approximately 56% from … Keep reading

There are significant differences between professional employment organizations (PEOs), administrative services only (ASO) providers, and payroll providers. Why are these services critical for cannabis companies and their financial institutions? Which one do you need – and when? Katrina Skinner of Burns & Levinson joins Brian Wall of AdaptiveHR and Stacie McLauchlan of Paragon Payroll to discuss why cannabis companies should outsource HR and payroll, the implications of 280E, 401(k) options, how banking is affected, and of course – the cost of obtaining and providing these services.

Click here to watch the full webinar.… Keep reading

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)’s new regulations for adult-use and medical-use are to be effective on January 8, 2021.

The new final regulations’ simplified language in the Advertising, Labeling, and Packaging sections clarified the permitted and prohibited practices under these categories and implemented a pre-approval process.

We encourage marijuana businesses to seek guidance from a trusted attorney regarding these final regulations and the potential impacts on your business or operations.

Pre-Approval Process for Packaging & Labeling

In addition to complying with the Advertising, Labeling, and Packaging regulatory requirements set forth 935 CMR 500.104 (4)-(6), the CCC must pre-approve a package or label.  An application for pre-approval may be submitted at any time but should be submitted prior to sales or before implementing a substantive change to an already approved package or label. The pre-approval application fee is $50 per product.

The CCC may determine the form and manner for a pre-approval application, but, in addition to such application, applicants will also need to submit images of the proposed package or label to the CCC as an electronic file. Packaging applicants should submit front and back photographs of the packaging and labeling applicants should submit one photograph of each … Keep reading