Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Maine Cannabis Business?
If you're thinking about starting a cannabis business in Maine, you've probably wondered whether you really need a lawyer. The honest answer is: it depends on what you're doing and how comfortable you are figuring things out as you go.
Hemp Industry Under Fire: New Congressional Bill Could Ban Most THC Products
The hemp industry is facing what many consider its biggest threat since legalization, as a House committee just approved legislation that could effectively eliminate most hemp products currently on the market.
Why This Mistake Should Worry Every Maine Cannabis Business Owner
The overlooked business structure issue that's putting Maine cannabis entrepreneurs at unnecessary legal risk—and why fixing it now could save your personal assets later.
Maine Takes Historic Step Toward Psilocybin Decriminalization: What Cannabis Business Owners Need to Know
Maine just made headlines in the psychedelic reform movement. The implications go way beyond psilocybin mushrooms. Both chambers of the Maine Legislature passed legislation that'll decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of psilocybin for adults 21 and older. The Senate barely approved it (17-16) on Tuesday. The House passed it by just one vote (70-69) on Monday.
S Corps: The Critical Rule You May Not Know About
If you own an LLC that's elected to be taxed as an S corporation, there's a critical tax rule you might not be aware of: the "reasonable compensation" requirement. Many LLC owners choose S corp taxation for the tax savings but don't realize they're required to pay themselves a reasonable salary. This oversight can lead to serious problems with the IRS.
Trump's Cannabis Policy: Mixed Messages and Political Reality
The cannabis world just got more complicated. President Trump's latest budget proposal has surprised marijuana advocates, showing a big gap between what he said during his campaign and what he's actually doing as president.
Federal Court Rejects Cannabis Industry Challenge to Marijuana Prohibition
Cannabis companies suffered a major legal defeat this week when a 1st Circuit federal appeals court (Maine is in the 1st Circuit) upheld marijuana prohibition despite widespread state legalization. The ruling maintains the current conflict between state and federal cannabis laws.
Maine Employment Laws 2025: Guide for Cannabis Businesses
For Maine cannabis and marijuana businesses: You must comply with all standard Maine employment laws that apply to every business in the state, while also managing cannabis-specific regulations. Employment law violations can trigger both standard penalties and marijuana license issues.
Maine Adult-Use Cannabis Laws: Local Control
Maine legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21+ with a local-control approach that empowers communities to decide their cannabis future. This guide explains how Maine's unique local-option cannabis laws.
Getting Paid in Cannabis: How Smart Business Owners Turn Collection Challenges Into Big Wins
Meet Sarah. Three years ago, her cannabis business was bleeding money from unpaid bills. Today, she has an excellent payment record and clients who eager to work with her. What changed? She learned that getting paid isn't about being the toughest—it's about being the smartest.
The Complete Guide to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC: What's Legal in 2025?
If you've walked into a convenience store lately, you might have noticed something surprising: products containing THC sitting right there on the shelf, perfectly legal. But wait—isn't THC the stuff that gets you high? Isn't it illegal? Welcome to the confusing world of delta-8 and delta-9 THC, where a single sentence in a 2018 farm bill accidentally created a billion-dollar industry and left lawyers, law enforcement, and consumers scratching their heads.
The S Corp Confusion: Why "S Corp" Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means
Here's something that might surprise you: there's no such thing as an "S corp" business entity. If you've ever said "I'm forming an S corp" or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice about business structures, you're not alone. This confusion trips up thousands of entrepreneurs every year.
Split & Burn: How Equal Ownership Destroys Cannabis Ventures Before They Bloom
I've watched dozens of cannabis ventures implode—not from market forces, regulatory hurdles, or competition—but from something entirely preventable: the deceptively simple equal ownership structure. That perfect-looking balance on ownership documents has become the silent killer of promising cannabis businesses across the industry.
When Federal and State Cannabis Laws Collide: Border Patrol Arrests in Maine
You might think Border Patrol only operates at actual border crossings with Canada, but their reach extends much further. By law, Border Patrol has authority within 100 miles of any international border or coastline. This 100-mile zone covers the entire state of Maine. With 611 miles of Canadian border and 228 miles of Atlantic coastline, there's nowhere in Maine that's outside Border Patrol's jurisdiction. This means federal agents can — and do — enforce federal cannabis laws anywhere in the state, regardless of what Maine state law allows.
My Cannabis Business Partner Screwed Me. Now What?
Your cannabis business partner betrayed you. The person you trusted with your dream, your investment, and your future just pulled the rug out from under you.
Maybe they diverted funds to their personal accounts. Perhaps they made compliance decisions behind your back that now threaten your license. Or maybe—and I see this constantly in the cannabis industry—they misrepresented their connections, expertise, or capital, leaving you holding the bag when promises didn't materialize.
Whatever happened, you're sitting in the wreckage of your cannabis venture wondering: now what?
The Evolution of Cannabis Residency Requirements in Maine: What Business Owners Need to Know
As Maine's cannabis industry continues to mature, one of the most significant regulatory shifts has been the changing landscape of residency requirements for business ownership. Whether you're considering entering Maine's cannabis market or expanding existing operations, understanding the current status and history of these requirements is essential for sound business planning.
Beyond the Base Rent: The Reality of Triple Net Leases for Cannabis Businesses
When discussing real estate options with cannabis clients, I often find they've been offered triple net (NNN) leases with little explanation of what this means for their business. During my nine years as a marijuana business attorney, I've seen many clients shocked after signing leases without understanding what they are getting into. Let's break down what a "triple net lease" really means for you’re in the cannabis business.
When Financial Trouble Hits: The Bankruptcy Barrier Facing Cannabis Companies
Cannabis businesses face a unique challenge that most other industries never have to think about: they can't file for bankruptcy. While this might seem like a technical legal issue, it creates serious real-world problems for business owners, employees, and investors when financial difficulties arise.
The "Act of God" Contract Clause That's Costing Cannabis Companies Millions
You've just signed a massive supply agreement. Then suddenly, the state changes its testing rules. Your perfectly good product now fails compliance. You can't deliver. Is your company on the hook for tens of thousands in damages? Or does that forgotten paragraph on page 27 of your contract—the "force majeure" clause—save you? For many cannabis companies, the answer has been an expensive lesson in contract language. Let's break down what you need to know.
U.S. Cannabis Sales Hit $30.1 Billion in 2024 Despite Job Cuts
U.S. cannabis shops sold $30.1 billion of legal cannabis in 2024. This marks a 4.5% rise from last year, based on the new Vangst Jobs Report with Whitney Economics.