From Conditional Approval to Final OCM Plan of Record Submission – Your Legal Roadmap to Minnesota Cannabis License
Minnesota’s move to legalize adult-use cannabis presents immense opportunities, but navigating the path to an operational license is a complex legal undertaking. If your cannabis business has received conditional approval or pre-approval from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), congratulations are in order. This initial success means your preliminary plans have met the OCM’s initial […]
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary: The Essential 2025 Playbook
By Thomas E. Howard, Cannabis Industry Lawyer & Host of Cannabis Legalization News dishing on How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary. TL;DR — Licenses are scarce, deadlines are savage, and regulators have zero chill. But with the right prep—and this playbook—you can actually pull it off. Introduction: Why So Many Dream (and Fail) to Open […]
Federal Cannabis Legalization in 2025: Why Schedule III Rescheduling Won’t Save the Industry (Yet)
Federal Cannabis Legalization turns 50 this year—if you start counting from 1975, when decriminalization first splashed across a handful of progressive states before stalling for two decades. Half a century later, marijuana is still a Schedule I controlled substance, legally equated with heroin and LSD. That stubborn classification blocks research, inflates taxes under Internal Revenue […]
Missouri Cannabis Rule Amendments in 2025
Missouri Cannabis Rule Amendments in 2025. Missouri rewrote microbusiness regulations in early 2025 to close ownership loopholes that plagued prior rounds. Amendment highlights: stricter designated‑contact rules, broadened document subpoenas, a 60‑day post‑issuance revocation power, and codified “predatory practices” tests. This article dissects the amendments line‑by‑line, cites controlling CSR sections, and provides practical defenses for licensees facing […]
Truckers Lose Jobs for THC Test: Clash of Federal and State Cannabis Laws in 2025
Federal Regulations and the Zero-Tolerance Policy As cannabis legalization spreads across the United States, a paradox emerges for commercial truck drivers. Despite state-level approvals, many truckers lose jobs for THC tests due to stringent federal regulations. This article delves into the intricate interplay between federal mandates and state laws, shedding light on why CDL holders […]
How Elected Officials Undermine Voter-Approved Cannabis Laws
Legalizing cannabis in the United States has never been a straightforward journey. Even when voters overwhelmingly support medical or recreational marijuana initiatives, some elected officials find ways to override or undercut those hard-won laws. From Arizona’s controversial “Prop 200” rollback to Ohio’s recent legislative maneuvers in 2025, this article explores how democracy can be sidestepped—and […]
Rhode Island’s New Cannabis Rules
Key Dates, Application Process, and Social Equity Highlights Rhode Island’s cannabis industry is set to expand significantly with the upcoming introduction of new cannabis regulations. Expected to become effective in May 2025, these regulations will pave the way for 24 new Rhode Island cannabis dispensary licenses. This article covers crucial dates, the application process, eligibility […]
How Cannabis Businesses Can Use IRC 471(c) to Navigate Around IRC 280E
The Challenge of IRC 280E for Cannabis Businesses For cannabis business operators, IRC 280E is a tax code that can feel like an insurmountable barrier. Introduced during the War on Drugs, IRC 280E disallows standard business deductions for companies trafficking in controlled substances, including cannabis. This restriction can result in effective tax rates as high […]
Rhode Island Social Equity Cannabis Licenses: What You Need to Know in 2025
Introduction Cannabis in Rhode Island is leading the charge in the licensed industry with its progressive social equity licensing program. Rhode Island Social Equity Cannabis Licenses aim to create opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis prohibitions. With the 2025 licensing cycle in full swing, it’s crucial to understand the application process, qualifications, and […]
How to Open a Dispensary in Rhode Island: The Complete Guide for 2025
Opening a dispensary in Rhode Island is an exciting opportunity, with the state’s cannabis market steadily expanding. Whether you are an entrepreneur entering the cannabis industry or looking to grow an existing venture, understanding the regulatory landscape is critical. This guide on How to Open a Dispensary in Rhode Island for 2025 will walk you through […]