Guidance for a growing market.
As a result of the changes resulting from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, a whole new category of popular food and beverage products containing hemp-derived ingredients has emerged. While these consumable hemp products are largely unregulated at a federal level, individual states are quickly developing their own rules. These regulations vary widely: some states have imposed strict guidelines, while others regulate hemp products in a similar way to cannabis or alcohol.
Our consumable hemp legal team draws from a wide range of multi-disciplinary experience to support the needs of companies in this emerging category. Hemp-derived products are regulated at the intersection of cannabis, alcohol, and food laws, and our team has created a unique synergy across all three areas. Building on the foundation of our nationally recognized and Chambers-ranked Cannabis practice, we have combined the insights of our Alcohol Beverage team with the forward-thinking approach of our Functional Food & Beverage Group. This collaborative structure allows us to provide practical, real-world guidance across all related areas, not just hemp.
As industry leader members of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, we offer a rare combination of regulatory and corporate know-how. Our clients benefit from legal counsel that understands the nuances of the law as well as the practical needs of running a business in this space.
Our consumable hemp attorneys guide clients through corporate formation, business planning, and risk assessment, ensuring new ventures are well-positioned from the start. We’re on hand as clients determine which states to target, providing insights into the complex patchwork of state laws so that clients can make informed, strategic decisions that reduce risk and support growth. Our integrative team has also represented hemp companies in early-stage venture funding rounds, gaining a practical understanding of investor expectations and how best to secure funding in this emerging industry.
Beyond formation and funding, we negotiate distribution, supply, and wholesaler agreements tailored to the hemp market. Our regulatory advice is grounded in up-to-date knowledge of both state and federal requirements, and we help clients adapt as the legal landscape shifts. Whether it’s a corporate transaction, a new distribution channel, or a change in product formulation, we deliver practical legal solutions that keep businesses operating and growing.
50 state surveys
In an industry where laws shift frequently, actionable, up-to-date information is essential. Our hemp legal team regularly provides comprehensive 50 state surveys for clients, covering issues such as penalties, THC concentration standards, methods for formulating THC, direct-to-consumer rules, and permissible product formats. These surveys are built to clarify what’s allowed, what’s risky, and where opportunities exist across the map.
Because rules differ from state to state and change perpetually, our surveys are updated and customized to each client’s needs. Our approach helps businesses develop nationwide strategies that are both ambitious and realistic—avoiding costly missteps and regulatory surprises and building lasting, compliant businesses.