There are only a few lenders willing to finance activities in the marijuana industry, largely because marijuana is considered an illegal drug under federal law. As most banks are federally insured, loans provided to those in the marijuana industry are not likely to be insured. With banks unable or unwilling to take the chance, private...

Heads of three RI state agencies have sent a letter to the RI House Judiciary Committee, supporting a bill that would create a 15 member study commission to make recommendations to the General Assembly about the legalization of recreational marijuana use by March 1, 2018. Bills to legalize marijuana use in RI have failed in...

Although the heads of 3 RI state agencies have requested a commission to study recreational marijuana legalization, a representative for Governor Raimondo said the governor has not closed the door to the possibility of legal marijuana in the 2017 session. “The governor’s primary concerns are safety and proper regulation, and she will give strong consideration...

Oh Canada. As of July 1, 2018 marijuana will be legal for production, sale, and possession by all adults over 18 years if the new federal rules are adopted as planned. There will be guidelines and restrictions in place to protect young people from being exposed to the drug, and other guidelines will need to...

BluHawaii. Purple Kush. Willie’s Reserve. Kiva. California Finest. Altai. Are these the names of new beverages? To the contrary, these are some brand names for competing strains of marijuana. Legalized marijuana sales in the United States exceeded $5.8 billion in 2016, and the market is predicted to grow to over $21 billion by 2020. Like...

Like other industries, businesses selling marijuana-related products are turning to branding and marketing to help distinguish their products and services from those of their competitors, and to build brand loyalty and credibility. However, marijuana businesses face a problem that most other retail businesses do not encounter. Read the PS&H Client Advisory on the topic here.

The Marijuana Industry touches on so many people, and just as many industries. Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration updated its webpage to explain that passengers are allowed to carry marijuana on flights with them. That notice was not long lived, however as shortly after it was posted, it was modified to remove reference...

Legalized marijuana is turning the commercial real estate market upside down, and creating opportunities for property owners to charge tenants in the business of marijuana premium rates. Some are paying above market rates for properties that meet the demands of this growing industry. The New York times highlights property in Quincy, MA in this article.

The nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions’ as Attorney General raises questions as to what impact he might have on the business of marijuana in the United States. Sessions has historically taken a hardline stance against marijuana, which is contrary to the position that has been taken by the Department of Justice under the Obama Administration....

The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act mandates the creation of a regulatory system to permit recreational use of marijuana in Massachusetts by January 1, 2018. Bill Moorman and David Pellegrino discuss several ways the new law will impact the insurance industry and its customers. Read the PS&H Client Advisory on the topic here.