Vicente LLP
Welcome to the Vicente LLP Federal and International Cannabis and Psychedelics Law & Policy update! In this quarterly newsletter, we will share selected insights, news and events to keep you in the loop on global cannabis, hemp and psychedelics happenings.
Vicente LLP monitors and tracks international cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics laws. Please contact us if you are interested in receiving updates for specific countries/regions or would like strategic guidance related to expanding your business internationally. Learn more about our Federal and International Law & Policy services.
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Federal News & Insights
Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Postponed: How Did We Get Here and What Happens Next?
The much-anticipated hearings on the proposed rulemaking to reschedule cannabis, which were scheduled to begin on January 21, have been postponed for at least three months as a result of an appeal granted by DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney. In this article, we examine a timeline of progress on rescheduling so far and discuss what may happen next and how the new administration may affect the process. Read more.
The judge of the cannabis rescheduling hearing criticized the DEA for failing to submit evidence in hard copy for cannabis rescheduling hearings, rejecting its digital submission and reserving potential sanctions. The DEA also faces accusations of bias, improper communications with anti-rescheduling groups, and unclear witness selection processes. Read more.
More Key Federal Updates
Cannabis Reformers Divided Over Hearing Delays – Vicente partner Shawn Hauser weighs in on the controversy.
New DEA Leadership Appointed – How will this impact cannabis legalization efforts?
Gun Rights & Cannabis – The NRA weighs in on the Second Amendment & cannabis debate.
Industry Advocacy Groups Merge – Major policy groups merge to push for federal cannabis reform reform in Congress.
International News & Insights
HHC Could Potentially Be Placed in Schedule II of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances
The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will vote in March on whether to place hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in Schedule II of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, a move that would effectively ban its recreational use worldwide. The European Union has already backed the measure, making scheduling likely. Read more.
Brazil Legalizes Hemp Cultivation, Manufacturing and Sales
In a November 2024 ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Court established that federal cannabis restrictions do not apply to hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC and that current law allows for the manufacturing and sale of medicinal hemp-based products. The court set a six-month deadline for federal lawmakers and officials with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency to establish regulations for the anticipated hemp industry. Read more.
Other Global Cannabis Policy Changes
Czech Republic to Regulate Low-THC Cannabis & Kratom – A new psychedelics law takes effect in 2025.
Italy Moves to Ban Hemp Flower Products – The government targets the “cannabis light” industry.
Spain & Thailand Consider Medical Cannabis Regulations – Both nations could implement medical marijuana laws soon.
