The Cannabis Business

As the largely illicit cannabis market transitions to a legal, regulated industry, the "canna-curious" and experienced industry participants alike are experiencing the harsh truth: Making a fortune in the legal cannabis industry is a challenge made even more difficult by a complex patchwork of state and federal laws. The Cannabis Business clears the confusion around topics such as the distinction between hemp and cannabis and why it matters for consumers and regulators, why CBD isn't completely legal in the U.S., why and how states differ in their licensing processes, and how deal structuring is impacted by state regulations. Written by attorneys from the nation's leading cannabis law and policy firm, this comprehensive primer on all things cannabis law is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand the major practical legal issues facing the cannabis industry in the U.S.

Charles S. Alovisetti is a partner at Vicente Sederberg and chair of the firm's Corporate Practice Group, where he has focused his practice since 2015 on advising companies, investors, and other law firms on the nuances of executing financings, mergers, and acquisitions, and other corporate transactions involving licensed and ancillary cannabis companies. Charlie has been recognized by Chambers & Partners as one of the top cannabis lawyers in the United States. Cassia Furman is a partner at Vicente Sederberg and managing attorney of the firm's California Practice Group based in Los Angeles. In addition to supporting the firm's policy and local government work in California and around the country, she counsels clients on a wide range of transactional, regulatory, and land-use issues related to the licensing and operation of California commercial cannabis ventures.

Introduction - Charles S. Alovisetti Part I - Understanding the National Landscape and Risks 1. Federal Law and Policy Overview - Cannabis - Charles S. Alovisetti and Carl Werner 2. Federal Law and Policy Overview - Hemp and CBD - Charles S. Alovisetti, Shawn Hauser, Michelle Bodian, and Catie Wightman 3. State Law Overview - Cannabis - Charles S. Alovisetti and Andrew Livingston 4. State Law Overview - Hemp and CBD - Charles S. Alovisetti, Shawn Hauser, Michelle Bodian, and Catie Wightman 5. Risks of Cannabis Investments - Charles S. Alovisetti, Ben Leonard, and Sahar Ayinehsazian 6. Risks of Cannabis Investments - Hemp and CBD - Charles S. Alovisetti, Michelle Bodian, and Catie Wightman Part II - Practical Legal Issues 7. Introduction to Cannabis and Tax Law- Charles S. Alovisetti and Andrew Livingston 8. Introduction to Cannabis and Bankruptcy Law- Charles S. Alovisetti, Phil Silverman, and Jason C. Adelstone 9. Introduction to Cannabis and Intellectual Property Law - Charles S. Alovisetti, Matthew Bartling, Barine Majewska, and Michelle Bodian 10. Introduction to Cannabis and Real Estate Law - Cassia Furman and Charles S. Alovisetti 11. Introduction to Cannabis, Securities Law, and Private Placements - Charles S. Alovisetti, Ilya Ross, and Sahar Ayinehsazian 12. Introduction to Cannabis and Banking - Sahar Ayinehsazian and Charles S. Alovisetti 13. Introduction to Cannabis and Insurance - Charles S. Alovisetti 14. Introduction to Cannabis and Licensing - Charles S. Alovisetti, Jessica Scardina, and Emily Hackman 15. Introduction to Cannabis and Social Equity - Cassia Furman and Kelsey Middleton 16. Introduction to Cannabis and Advertising - Cassia Furman, Andrea Golan, and Charles S. Alovisetti Part III - Getting in the Game: Doing Deals in the Cannabis Industry 17. Introduction to Cannabis and Business Formation - Charles S. Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Catie Wightman 18. Introduction to Cannabis, Due Diligence, and Deal Structuring - Charles S. Alovisetti, Elliot Y. Choi, and Sahar Ayinehsazian