STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANNABIS BAR ASSOCIATION REGARDING DEA’S PROPOSAL TO RESCHEDULE CANNABIS TO SCHEDULE III

"INCBA commends President Biden for leading the push to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This is a historic turning point that marks the most significant progress in the national cannabis legalization movement to date. This move marks a crucial step towards harmonizing federal law with states and the will of the majority of Americans that continue to call for cannabis legalization. By taking this critical step, we can begin to foster a cohesive national regulatory landscape and a sustainable cannabis industry.

The decision will eliminate the unfair tax burdens imposed on state-regulated cannabis operators and could pave the way for greater access to financial services and resources to build a sustainable industry and improve access to safe and effective plant medicine. In recognizing cannabis’ therapeutic benefits and revisiting unfounded narratives surrounding its purported harm, HHS and DEA have dealt a major blow to the stigma that has justified cannabis prohibition and made a clear break with the War On Drugs approach to cannabis marked by the unjust imprisonment of thousands and dramatically disproportionate enforcement against communities of color.

Indeed, while this is a landmark moment, much work still lies ahead. We urge cannabis activists and industry participants alike to actively support DEA’s proposal against the modern-day prohibitionists who will fight aggressively to ensure that the proposal never becomes law. We also urge federal lawmakers to seize this moment and work towards comprehensive reform that ends and redresses the harm of prohibition, creates a sensible and cohesive regulatory framework with a pathway for continued access to safe and regulated cannabis.

We express deep appreciation to everyone who has tirelessly fought for change, from the movement’s founders to the new leaders championing meaningful reform. You’ve brought medicine to patients, freed the imprisoned, fought to heal our veterans, and called for restoration of communities. It is only through your dedication and perseverance that we have gotten this far, and it is only with you that we will see the end of prohibition. INCBA is proud of the roles that its members have played in this movement and of the great work they will be doing to support its cause in the days and years to come.”

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WEBINAR RECORDING: So, You Want to Be a Cannabis Attorney

On April 30th, 2024, INCBA's Students Committee , in collaboration with INCBA's Ethics Committee , presented a special webinar entitled; "SO YOU WANT TO BE A CANNABIS ATTORNEY?" Our speakers, Student Committee Co-Chairs Alexis Lazzeri and Callie Hoffman , along with Ethics Committee Chair Marialle A. Bell discussed what it means to be a cannabis attorney, ways to pursue a career in this dynamic field, and unique ethical considerations for attorneys practicing in this industry. Please feel free to share with anyone you know who may be considering this career path!

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Set to Deliver Keynote Speech at INCBA Cannabis Law Institute 2024, Alongside Other Industry Leaders

Chicago, IL – July 10, 2024 – The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) announced today that the Cannabis Law Institute sm (CLI 2024) will feature Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker as the keynote speaker on Thursday July 25th. The event is scheduled to take place on July 25-26, 2024, at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, Illinois. CLI 2024 aims to provide critical insights for law professionals, particularly in light of federal rescheduling in the cannabis industry. Governor J.B. Pritzker is recognized for signing House Bill 1438, the nation's most equity-centric law legalizing adult-use cannabis. This initiative positioned Illinois as the first state to fully legalize adult-use cannabis through legislation and serves as a model for the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis nationwide. “It is a great honor to have the Governor deliver the keynote speech at CLI 2024,” said Jason Horst, President of the INCBA. “Governor Pritzker's l...

INCBA Hosts the Global Cannabis IP Symposium at McGill University, Montreal

The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) hosted its inaugural Global Cannabis Intellectual Property Symposium in September 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The Symposium convened cannabis IP legal thought leaders and delved into the nuts and bolts of IP, e.g., patents, trademarks, licensing and litigation/ disputes , drilling down into the illegality doctrine and other nuances that impact the inconsistent treatment of cannabis IP by governmental agencies and courts . In addition, the summit hosted an informative in-house counsel panel, a session that focused on the science of the plant ( for non-scientists ) , an illuminating presentation on international treaties, and an ed i fying exposition on the unusual impact of federal illegality on professional responsibility. A hybrid event, attendees were in person at McGill University and...

Law360 Article by Meital Manzuri and Alexis Lazzeri on California Cannabis & Hemp Regulatory Changes

In a recent Law360 article , Meital Manzuri , the Board Secretary of the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) , and INCBA Students Committee Chair, Alexis Lazzeri , delved into the changing landscape of California's hemp and CBD regulations. The article dissects the impact of new laws like AB 45 and AB 420 on hemp product manufacturers across the nation. Manufacturers aiming to sell their hemp products in California must now adhere to state-specific regulations in addition to federal requirements. The article also highlights updates to hemp testing procedures, effective January 1, 2024, making it mandatory for products to undergo testing at a DEA-registered laboratory. A practical case study is included, demonstrating compliance standards for a hypothetical company. For more insights on the authors, please explore Manzuri Law . To learn more about the International Cannabis Bar Association , visit: https://incba.org .

INCBA Director Shay Gilmore Featured in the Daily Journal

INCBA Director Shay Gilmore's Summary of 2023 California Cannabis Legislation Featured in the Daily Journal INCBA Director Shay Aaron Gilmore, The Law Office of Shay Aaron Gilmore, prepared a comprehensive summary of key legislation impacting the California cannabis industry signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 13, 2023. Check out the full article here: https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/375420

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