On October 29, 2019 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) released its hotly anticipated interim rule establishing the Domestic Hemp Production Program (“DHPP”). The interim rule follows on the heels of the 2018 Farm Bill (“Farm Bill”) which permitted production of hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) products under certain circumstances. The Farm Bill legalized hemp production as long as it [...]
Last week, Ohio joined the growing list of states that have raised the age requirement to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. The “Tobacco 21” law applies to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping products. The change in Ohio’s age requirement comes in light of the substantial increase in vaping-related illnesses being reported across the country. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) [...]
Endorsements from celebrities can boost a business’ sale through increased exposure and brand credibility. To that end, cannabis-based businesses have increasingly utilized celebrities to endorse their products through testimonials and other marketing efforts. Although the potential of these initiatives is undeniable, they do not come without risk. Cannabis currently operates in a legal grey area since it remains classified as [...]
Despite its slow start, Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) continues to grow with more than 50 dispensaries now fully operational and active. Regulators are keeping close watch on businesses in this sector, with particular focus on ensuring consumer protection laws are being followed. The marketing of these products to consumers remains a high priority and the Ohio Board of [...]
A coalition of 37 attorneys general, as the primary enforcers of their respective state consumer protection laws, has called on the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to help protect consumers from false advertising and potential harms from products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds. In a public comment filed with the FDA, the attorneys general emphasized the need for more research [...]
The Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 57 (“SB 57”) last week, decriminalizing hemp and instituting a legal framework for hemp licensing and cultivation. SB 57 also allows retailers to sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”) and removes CBD from the state’s controlled substance list. SB 57 is currently pending before Governor Mike DeWine and will go into effect [...]
The Columbus Dispatch recently reported that racial minorities are underrepresented in Ohio’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry. As Ohio’s medical marijuana program progresses, there is growing concern among advocates and industry insiders that racial minorities will be under-represented in marijuana businesses. Currently, racial minorities hold 9 of the 56 dispensary provisional licenses, 2 of 29 cultivation provisional licenses, and none of [...]
In a move that businesses producing and selling marijuana and CBD products should be paying close attention to, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) recently sent joint warning letters to four sellers of nicotine-laced e-liquids regarding their social media marketing practices. At issue? The information, or rather, lack thereof, shared in social media posts advertising [...]
Despite the growing legality of marijuana in states across the country, marijuana-derived products such as cannabidiol remain in a legal grey area. Cannabidiol (“CBD”) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid compound found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, the compound most typically associated with the marijuana plant, CBD generally does not cause users to experience psychoactive effects and may contain neurorestorative [...]
How do I ensure my business is complying with state and federal consumer protection laws? What happens if I break the rules? Can my license be revoked? How can I tell when my advertising crosses the line from “creative” to “deceptive?” Can I really be held liable for my vendors’ violations? Join members of Mac Murray & Shuster’s Medical Marijuana Law [...]
