SAFE Banking Act Passes House in Defense Legislation
The House of Representatives has passed by voice vote an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by adding the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to the legislation.
The House of Representatives has passed by voice vote an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by adding the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to the legislation. The bill would give safe harbors to financial institutions servicing cannabis industry stakeholders. The text of the SAFE Banking Act can be found here.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today.
New Psychedelic ETF About To Hit the Market
There is a new March 5, 2021 U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that will allow investors to gain exposure to the psychedelic and cannabis industries.
There is a new March 5, 2021 U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that will allow investors to gain exposure to the psychedelic and cannabis industries. According to the fling, the Defiance Next Gen Altered Experience ETF is:
The Index is a rules-based index that tracks the performance of a portfolio of life sciences companies conducting federally legal medical activities in the psychedelics, medical cannabis, hemp, and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industries whose common stock or depositary receipts are listed on a U.S. or Canadian exchange. Psychedelic drugs, also known as hallucinogens, are a group of substances, including psilocybin, that are used to change and enhance sensory perceptions, thought processes, and energy levels. Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to the use of parts of the marijuana plant, such as hemp and the plant’s chemicals, for the treatment of a variety of diseases or medical conditions. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant whose stalks and seeds are used for a variety of commercial products.
While Lanton Law is not making any statements about whether people should invest in this or not, we are simply monitoring the industry to let interested stakeholders know about the developments within the cannabis market.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically our cannabis practice helps all supply chain entities from growers, financiers, suppliers, dispensers to ancillary services.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions,contact us today.
Virginia Votes to Legalize the Sales & Recreational Use of Marijuana
Virginia has taken one step closer to becoming the first southern state to legalize marijuana. If enacted Virginia would follow Washington D.C. along with fifteen other states to do so. The proposed legislation would allow the possession of up to one ounce of marijuanato become legal starting January 1, 2024. This would be at the same time as sales and a regulatory scheme overseeing the new marijuana marketplace would take off. The bill is awaiting Governor Northam’s signature who is expected to sign the measure into law.
Virginia has taken one step closer to becoming the first southern state to legalize marijuana. If enacted Virginia would follow Washington D.C. along with fifteen other states to do so. The proposed legislation would allow the possession of up to one ounce of marijuanato become legal starting January 1, 2024. This would be at the same time as sales and a regulatory scheme overseeing the new marijuana marketplace would take off. The bill is awaiting Governor Northam’s signature who is expected to sign the measure into law.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically our cannabis practice helps all supply chain entities from growers, financiers, suppliers, dispensers to ancillary services.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today.
New York Governor Cuomo Announces 30-Day Amendments to Legislation Establishing Comprehensive Adult-Use Cannabis Program in New York
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced in a press release detailing “30-day amendments to the Governor's proposal to establish a comprehensive adult-use cannabis program in New York. Specifically, these amendments will detail how the $100 Million in Social Equity funding will be allocated, enable the use of delivery services, and refine which criminal charges will be enforced as it relates to the improper sale of cannabis to further reduce the impact on communities hit hardest by the war on drugs.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced in a press release detailing “30-day amendments to the Governor's proposal to establish a comprehensive adult-use cannabis program in New York. Specifically, these amendments will detail how the $100 Million in Social Equity funding will be allocated, enable the use of delivery services, and refine which criminal charges will be enforced as it relates to the improper sale of cannabis to further reduce the impact on communities hit hardest by the war on drugs.”
New York has been a policy leader along with other innovative states on cannabis. Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions,contact us today.
Cannabis Reform Legislation Anticipated in 117th Congress
We at Lanton Law have been closely monitoring cannabis policy developments as we fully anticipate federal action on this issue in 2021. How much activity remains to be seen.
We at Lanton Law have been closely monitoring cannabis policy developments as we fully anticipate federal action on this issue in 2021. How much activity remains to be seen.
We were encouraged by the joint statement issued by Senators Booker (D-NJ), Wyden (D-OR) and Schumer (D-NY) on comprehensive cannabis reform legislation in the 117th Congress. The statement in full reads:
“The War on Drugs has been a war on people—particularly people of color. Ending the federal marijuana prohibition is necessary to right the wrongs of this failed war and end decades of harm inflicted on communities of color across the country. But that alone is not enough. As states continue to legalize marijuana, we must also enact measures that will lift up people who were unfairly targeted in the War on Drugs.
“We are committed to working together to put forward and advance comprehensive cannabis reform legislation that will not only turn the page on this sad chapter in American history, but also undo the devastating consequences of these discriminatory policies. The Senate will make consideration of these reforms a priority.
"In the early part of this year, we will release a unified discussion draft on comprehensive reform to ensure restorative justice, protect public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations. Getting input from stakeholder groups will be an important part of developing this critical legislation.”
The promise of possible Congressional action on this issue is stronger this session than it has even been.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Purchases GW Pharmaceuticals for $7.2 billion
Jazz Pharmaceuticals has announced that it will “acquire GW for $220.00 per American Depositary Share (ADS), in the form of $200.00 in cash and $20.00 in Jazz ordinary shares, for a total consideration of $7.2 billion, or $6.7 billion net of GW cash. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.”
Jazz Pharmaceuticals has announced that it will “acquire GW for $220.00 per American Depositary Share (ADS), in the form of $200.00 in cash and $20.00 in Jazz ordinary shares, for a total consideration of $7.2 billion, or $6.7 billion net of GW cash. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.”
“GW is a global leader in discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel, regulatory approved therapeutics from its proprietary cannabinoid product platform to address a broad range of diseases. The company's lead product, Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution, is approved in patients one-year and older for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), Dravet Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), all of which are rare diseases characterized by severe early-onset epilepsy. Epidiolex was the first plant-derived cannabinoid medicine ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
Interestingly, Epidiolex brought in approximately $510 million in annual sales within two years of its launch.
The cannabis market is definitely an emerging one with high growth potential for interested stakeholders. We foresee that there will be additional deals in the near term as more companies embrace this sector. However; the cannabis industry has several federal and state regulatory hurdles to overcome.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today!
House Passes the MORE Act
The House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expengement Act of 2020 otherwise known as the MORE Act of 2020 or H.R. 3884. The party line vote was 228 to 164. The bill proposes to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act and seeks to mirror the changing policy around this subject as medical cannabis is legal in ⅔ of the states while approximately 15 states have passed laws permitting recreational usage. The bill heads to the Senate where it is not expected to pass this session.
The House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expengement Act of 2020 otherwise known as the MORE Act of 2020 or H.R. 3884. The party line vote was 228 to 164. The bill proposes to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act and seeks to mirror the changing policy around this subject as medical cannabis is legal in ⅔ of the states while approximately 15 states have passed laws permitting recreational usage. The bill heads to the Senate where it is not expected to pass this session.
Lanton Law believes that the cannabis market will continue to evolve and expand. Notwithstanding this market potential is the fact that medical and adult-use cannabis operations are confronted with a complex patchwork of state and federal laws and regulations that we assist a variety of businesses with.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and government affairs firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today!
November Election Yields Gains for Marijuana Legalization
The result of a few November 3, 2020 election ballot measures have yielded additional gains for marijuana.
The result of a few November 3, 2020 election ballot measures have yielded additional gains for marijuana.
New Jersey: In New Jersey voters approved Question 1, which legalized recreational marijuana.
Arizona: Voters in Arizona approved Proposition 207 which legalizes possession and use of marijuana for adults, age 21 years or older, in Arizona and permits individuals to grow up to six marijuana plants in their residences.
South Dakota: The state has legalized marijuana possession and use for adults 21 and older. It also allows individuals to grow up to three plants if they live in a jurisdiction with no licensed marijuana retailers. It allows distribution and sales, with a 15 percent tax. Additionally, the state legislature would have to pass legislation legalizing medical marijuana and the sale of hemp by April 1, 2022.
Mississippi: Initiative 65A was passed, which restricts medical marijuana to terminally ill patients and would require pharmaceutical-grade marijuana products to have oversight by licensed physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
Montana: Montana has passed two constitutional amendments regarding marijuana. CI-118 allows for the state legislature or a ballot initiative to set a legal age for marijuana use. Additionally, I-190 allows for marijuana possession use and growing for adults 21 or older. The measure allows for the creation of a regulatory scheme around growing and selling cannabis and imposes a sales tax on these goods.
Lanton Law’s Cannabis practice is more than prepared to assist cannabis stakeholders. Whether you are a public or private cultivator, processor, distributor, dispensary, or an ancillary service related to the medical and/or adult-use cannabis business, we can help.
Lanton Law assists our cannabis clients with the following services:
Offer strategic advice on the federal and state outlook
Contract and lease drafting
Corporate formation & governance
Shareholder agreements
Administrative representation
Trademarks and copyrights
FDA, USDA and FTC regulatory compliance
Banking and finance
Licensing
State and local permits
Lobbying
Investor & early stage company issues
Mergers and acquisitions
Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure agreements
Labor and employment
General counsel services
Lanton Law Opens Cannabis Practice
Lanton Law believes that the cannabis market will continue to evolve and expand. Notwithstanding this market potential is the fact that medical and adult-use cannabis operations are confronted with a complex patchwork of state and federal laws and regulations that we assist a variety of businesses with.
Lanton Law believes that the cannabis market will continue to evolve and expand. Notwithstanding this market potential is the fact that medical and adult-use cannabis operations are confronted with a complex patchwork of state and federal laws and regulations that we assist a variety of businesses with.
Whether you are a public or private cultivator, processor, distributor, dispensary, or an ancillary service related to the medical and/or adult-use cannabis business, we can help.
Lanton Law assists our cannabis clients with the following services:
Offer strategic advice on the federal and state outlook
Contract and lease drafting
Corporate formation & governance
Shareholder agreements
Administrative representation
Trademarks and copyrights
FDA, USDA and FTC regulatory compliance
Banking and finance
Licensing
State and local permits
Lobbying
Investor & early stage company issues
Mergers and acquisitions
Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure agreements
Labor and employment
General counsel services
FDA Cannabis Draft Guidance Comment Period Closes
On September 21st the FDA closed its comment period related to cannabis. Back in July the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds: Quality Considerations for Clinical Research.”
On September 21st the FDA closed its comment period related to cannabis. Back in July the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds: Quality Considerations for Clinical Research.”
This draft guidance outlined FDA's current thinking on several topics relevant to the development of cannabis and cannabis-derived products: The source of cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds for clinical research; general quality considerations for developing drugs that contain cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds; and calculation of percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in botanical raw materials, extracts, and finished products. This draft guidance had been developed to help support clinical research into development of cannabis and cannabis-derived products.
Additional information on the draft guidance can be found here.
Lanton Law is a national boutique law and government affairs firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences and technology. Specifically we have expertise in cannabis and CBD related issues.
If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today!