Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Maine Cannabis Business?

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.

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Maine Takes Historic Step Toward Psilocybin Decriminalization: What Cannabis Business Owners Need to Know
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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.

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S Corps: The Critical Rule You May Not Know About
Cannabis Taxation Tammie Snow Cannabis Taxation Tammie Snow

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.

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The Complete Guide to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC: What's Legal in 2025?
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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.

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Split & Burn: How Equal Ownership Destroys Cannabis Ventures Before They Bloom
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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.

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When Federal and State Cannabis Laws Collide: Border Patrol Arrests in Maine
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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.

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My Cannabis Business Partner Screwed Me. Now What?
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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?

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The Evolution of Cannabis Residency Requirements in Maine: What Business Owners Need to Know
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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.

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Beyond the Base Rent: The Reality of Triple Net Leases for Cannabis Businesses
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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.

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The "Act of God" Contract Clause That's Costing Cannabis Companies Millions
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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.

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