News & Insights
Colorado Natural Medicine Health Act Overview
In recent years, Colorado has become a focal point of psychedelic policy reform. In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the nation to deprioritize the arrest and prosecution of adults engaging in the personal use of psilocybin. Three years later, in November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act (“NMHA”). The law includes both a statewide decriminalization component and a framework for a regulated access system to psilocybin, and eventually other “natural medicines.” In May 2023, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 23-290 to implement the NMHA, and it took effect on July 1st, 2023.
Courtney Barnes promoted to partner at Feldman Legal Advisors — leading the charge in cannabis and psychedelics law
New York, NY (February 20, 2024) – Feldman Legal Advisors, a cannabis and psychedelics-focused boutique law firm, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Courtney Barnes to the position of Partner. As a seasoned attorney, Barnes has played a pivotal role in the firm’s success and growth, particularly in the emerging field of psychedelics law.
2024 Psychedelics Policy Outlook
Despite decades of prohibition, psychedelic policy reform has taken off over the past five years. In the United States, at least 28 municipalities have passed local decriminalization (i.e., deprioritization of law enforcement) measures, two states have adopted regulated access models for psilocybin, at least initially, and a sprinkling of states have begun to consider decriminalization for small amounts of certain psychedelics or have enacted reduced penalty statutes applicable to limited, personal use. In 2023 alone, eight localities passed decriminalization initiatives and at least a dozen states introduced psychedelics-focused legislation. Several states have also adopted laws requiring the establishment of working groups to study the potential medical uses of psychedelics and/or have designated funds for academic institutions and other organizations to engage in psychedelic research. For example, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington all passed legislation establishing committees to study psychedelics further in 2023. In other states, proposed legislation continues to face resistance and has been unsuccessful.
Feldman Legal Advisors’ Courtney Barnes, Esq. Advocates for Psilocybin Decriminalization in Connecticut
Courtney Barnes, Esq. was one of the policy reform activists who testified at the Psilocybin Decriminalization Forum that took place at the Connecticut Capitol last week. Organized by Last Prisoner Project, over a dozen therapists, researchers, attorneys, and advocates came together to speak about the value of psilocybin from both a mental health and economic perspective. The event marks the first psilocybin decriminalization informational forum of the 2024 legislative season.
Ohio Legalizes Cannabis for Adult-Use
On November 7, 2023, Ohio voters passed a ballot measure to legalize adult-use cannabis, making it the 24th state to embrace legalization outside of medical use. The law passed easily with an estimated 56.79% vote (i.e., 2.144 million voters out of the 3.8 million who cast ballots). The law will take effect on December 7, 2023.
California Drug Policy Reformers Return to Ballot Measure Campaigns After Governor Newsom Vetoes Psychedelics Decriminalization Bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 58, the first psychedelics decriminalization measure to pass both chambers of a state legislature. Now, California drug policy reformers are refocusing their efforts on ballot measure campaigns for 2024.
Entering the Cannabis Market: The Top Five Realities Cannabis Businesses Need To Know
The cannabis industry is growing rapidly, but it is very complex for any cannabis business to navigate for many reasons. Whether you are an entrepreneur considering entering the adult-use cannabis market for the first time, or you’re a legacy operator seeking entry into the adult-use cannabis market, there are a few things to understand. It is important to do your homework, consult experts, and build a strong team that is prepared for the challenges you will face as a cannabis entrepreneur.
Open to All: Your Path to Securing a NY Adult-Use Cannabis License
With the New York State Cannabis Control Board’s recent approval of the state’s general adult-use cannabis regulations, the floodgates are officially opening for New York’s recreational marijuana market. This is big news for legacy partners, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to get in on the ground floor of what is projected to be a multi-billion-dollar state industry.