While the “legal haze” of U.S. trademark registrations is undoubtedly challenging, brand owners of cannabis-related goods in the beauty and wellness industry are up to the challenge.  In the past five years, the trademark applications for these cannabis-related products have exponentially increased. » Read More

Cannabis is trending in the beauty and wellness industry.  More and more companies are infusing hempseed oil and CBD derived from hemp in salves, lotions, creams, oils, extracts, and lip balms, among other products.  Although the industry is taking off, the legal framework lags behind the expansion of the industry and broad acceptance of consumers to purchase these products. » Read More

Last Friday, I was invited to take a tour of Curaleaf New Jersey, one of the six authorized medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.  While there, I met with George Schidlovsky, President of Curaleaf New Jersey, and Bridgette Fonseca, Director of Dispensary Operations.» Read More

Many states have passed laws legalizing medical and/or recreational marijuana use. As a result, manufacturers of marijuana will need a place to conduct their business, and commercial landlords, many of whom were suffering with high vacancy rates, are more than eager to fill the need.» Read More

In my last post, I discussed how there can be federal barriers preventing certain businesses from entering the cannabis industry, despite state legalization.  Here, we discuss the importance of considering local laws.

Just like other businesses, one of the biggest, and most important, challenges a cannabis business may face is identifying a suitable location to operate. » Read More

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal recently announced that all marijuana cases in municipal courts be adjourned through at least September and that has many people hopeful that New Jersey’s legalization of medical and recreational marijuana is forthcoming.  If the legalization does happen, it will have a significant impact on many industries; and not just those one traditionally thinks of to be in the cannabis business.» Read More

Last month, Gov. Murphy issued a Request for Applications (“RFA”) for additional Alternative Treatment Centers.  Those looking to have a chance to obtain one of the six anticipated permits to operate an Alternative Treatment Center (“ATC”) must submit their application by 5 PM, Friday, August 31, 2018. » Read More

On July 24, 2018, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal made big news when he announced his office had instructed municipal prosecutors across the state to temporarily refrain from prosecuting low-level marijuana cases until September 4, 2018.  Grewal also stated that he intended to issue statewide guidance regarding prosecution of marijuana cases at the municipal court level by the end of August. » Read More

Trademark registration and enforcement are vital to any brand owner’s ability to build brand recognition and value.  However, trademark owners of cannabis goods and services will find trademark registration highly challenging because the United States Trademark Office’s current position is to deny registrations for goods and services that involve marijuana. » Read More

Welcome to Legally Grown, the firm’s blog dedicated to all things cannabis!  The legal cannabis and marijuana industries have grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade, and the East Coast is primed to be a hotbed of new activity and opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, and others looking to ride the wave. » Read More