Hemp Update: Senate Blocks Hemp Regulation — THC Products Remain Legal and Unregulated
On July 29, the Senate removed language from a $27 billion agriculture appropriations bill that would have dramatically reshaped the hemp industry. The proposed restrictions would have banned hemp-derived products containing synthetic compounds or quantifiable amounts of THC, THCA, and other intoxicating cannabinoids.
The result? Delta-8 gummies, THC beverages, and countless other intoxicating hemp products remain legal and largely unregulated at the federal level—at least until lawmakers revisit the issue after their August recess.
Why Your Cannabis LLC Needs More Than a Template Operating Agreement (Even the $500 LegalZoom Version)
Those operating agreements you find online look pretty appealing, right? The $49 templates promise to handle everything in just a few pages. LegalZoom and similar services charge around $500 and make you feel more confident because you're paying more and answering more questions. But even LegalZoom's more expensive service uses the same generic approach as the cheaper versions - they just dress it up with a questionnaire that asks about your business. But asking "What type of business are you?" and getting "Cannabis" as an answer doesn't magically create an operating agreement that understands cannabis banking, 280E taxes, or regulatory compliance.
URGENT: Maine Cannabis License Revocation Notice? You Have 30 Days to Save Your Business
That letter from Maine's Office of Cannabis Policy isn't routine paperwork—it's a serious threat to your business. They want to revoke your license and impose substantial fines. Your employees need answers. Your business partners are concerned. Everything you've invested in this operation is at risk.
What cPort's Exit Means for Your Cannabis Business
If you're a Maine cannabis caregiver, you probably felt your stomach drop when you opened that email from cPort Credit Union last week. The message was brief but devastating: your account will be closed by July 31st, along with hundreds of other caregiver accounts across the state.
Why Smart Money Is Quietly Building in Maine While Everyone Else Chases New York
Every cannabis market expansion feels like the same impossible choice: pay millions in licensing fees for the privilege of entering oversaturated markets where even well-funded operators are folding, or watch from the sidelines as opportunities slip away.
You've seen it play out in state after state—New York's political circus, New Jersey's auction-style bidding wars, and markets so crowded that operators are cutting prices to the bone just to move inventory. Meanwhile, the regulatory complexity keeps growing, turning compliance into a full-time nightmare that can bankrupt you with a single misstep. The worst part? Even if you survive the entry process, you're competing against hundreds of other operators for the same shrinking customer base.
Maine offers something increasingly rare: a mature cannabis market with reasonable entry costs, proven demand, and regulatory clarity that rewards competence over capital. While other operators chase fool's gold in impossible markets, smart money is quietly building sustainable businesses in the Pine Tree State—but only for those who understand Maine's unique three-tier licensing process and municipal dynamics.
The Great Maine Cannabis Consolidation: What Market Maturation Really Means for Business Owners
Maine hit $244 million in cannabis sales in 2024, a 12% increase over the previous year, but the state's Office of Cannabis Policy director says something else is happening: growth is flattening after years of explosive gains. While that might sound like bad news, it's actually the beginning of a predictable market evolution.
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.