Ward and Smith’s Top 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025
December 19, 2025
As we reflect on 2025, it’s time to highlight the articles that have most resonated with readers throughout the year. Ward and Smith attorneys…
News + Insights
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NC Legislature Considers Comprehensive Hemp Regulation: What Businesses Need to Know
May 13, 2025
Three significant bills, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 265, and House Bill 607, have been introduced during the 2025 North Carolina legislative session, each…
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2025 USPTO Fee Changes Disproportionately Impact Hemp Businesses
April 17, 2025
Effective January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) enacted a new trademark fee structure that affects fast-paced industries more than…
Firm News
25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
February 18, 2025
Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that 25 of its attorneys have earned spots on the prestigious North Carolina Super Lawyers and North…
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North Carolina Agritourism and Liability Waivers
August 30, 2024
Strengthening the bond between farm and table, agritourism flourishes in North Carolina as both the agribusiness and agriculture sectors buoy the state’s economy with…
Firm News
67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025
August 15, 2024
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 67 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers®. Fifty-four attorneys were chosen for inclusion in…
Firm News
Kristin Mitcham and Tyler Russell to Speak at the NCBA Real Property Section Winter Program
February 15, 2024
Attorneys Kristin Mitcham and Tyler Russell are set to share their knowledge at the upcoming Real Property Section Winter Program on February 16 in Cary, NC. Their…
Firm News
Media Mention: Tyler Russell Interviewed by The News & Observer
December 12, 2023
The News & Observer recently interviewed hemp and cannabis law attorney Tyler Russell about the complexities surrounding the consumption of CBD-infused products and workplace drug…
Firm News
Media Mention: Allen Trask Answers ‘Loaded Question’ in Interview with Marijuana Venture
September 12, 2023
Hemp and cannabis law attorney Allen Trask was asked by Marijuana Venture, a journal of professional cannabis growers and retailers, a ‘loaded question’ on…
Firm News
52 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2024
August 17, 2023
Ward and Smith proudly celebrates an incredible achievement—over half of our esteemed attorneys have gained recognition from one of the nation’s most respected legal…
Firm News
18 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored in 2023 Edition of Super Lawyers
January 23, 2023
Super Lawyers, a renowned rating agency, is honoring 18 Ward and Smith attorneys for their exemplary legal services in North Carolina. Thirteen distinguished attorneys have been…
Firm News
Pushing the Boundaries: Ward and Smith’s Most Popular Articles of 2022
December 30, 2022
2022 was an amazing year of enriching content from the Ward and Smith team! Our attorney-authored articles on trending topics were read far and…
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New Day, Same Story: FDA Issues Additional Warning Letters for Sale and Marketing of Hemp-Infused Human and Animal Products
November 23, 2022
This week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted warning letters to five hemp companies for, in the words of the FDA, “illegally…
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Lawful Use of Cannabis in North Carolina’s Workplace
November 4, 2022
The employer/employee relationship is among the most regulated. There are many (some argue too many) federal and state laws that govern how employers may…
Firm News
Media Mention: Tyler Russell Interviewed by the Asheville Citizen Times on CBD Legality and Regulation
October 7, 2022
Hemp and cannabis law attorney Tyler Russell was recently interviewed by the Citizen Times on the legality and regulation of CBD. It was in…
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Real Estate Leases in the Hemp and Cannabis World
August 24, 2022
The last several years have seen hemp and cannabis journey from their traditional treatment as substances controlled at the state and federal levels, on…
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Burning at Both Ends: NC General Assembly Keeps Hemp Legal With Last Minute Vote
July 12, 2022
Before the North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up the effective end to their 2022 Long Session late last month, lawmakers enacted critical legislation –…
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It’s About Time: Federal Court Addresses Delta-8
May 26, 2022
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), an intoxicating form of THC often derived from hemp-derived cannabidiol (aka “CBD”), has been at the center of numerous hot…
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Even Indirect Income from Cannabis Can Get You Banned From Bankruptcy
May 4, 2022
Despite widespread trends in state-level legalization and decriminalization of high-THC cannabis and growing acceptance of cannabis among Americans, cannabis and cannabis products remain illegal…
Firm News
Tyler Russell to Speak at the Buncombe County Bar Cannabis Business Law CLE
April 11, 2022
Hemp and cannabis law attorney Tyler Russell will be a featured speaker at the Buncombe County Bar Cannabis Business Law CLE. He is one…
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Takeaways from the 2022 Industrial Hemp Summit
March 9, 2022
Ward and Smith’s Hemp and Cannabis Law attorneys recently attended the fifth annual Industrial Hemp Summit. After another year of adjustments and uncertainty caused…
Firm News
Tyler Russell to Speak at the 2022 Industrial Hemp Summit
February 17, 2022
Hemp law attorney Tyler Russell will be part of a panel discussion on the state of the hemp industry at the 2022 Industrial Hemp…
Firm News
Tyler Russell Named a 2021 “Go-To Thought Leader” By the National Law Review
January 24, 2022
The National Law Review (NLR) has named Tyler Russell a 2021 “Go-To Thought Leader” for his work in hemp law. The National Law Review…
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Delta-8 THC: More Risk than Reward
October 15, 2021
Hemp product producers and sellers must consider a large number of legal and regulatory compliance risks each day. Are their inputs and plant material…
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Let’s Talk Hemp: Highlights from the 2021 Southern Hemp Expo
September 10, 2021
Several members of our Hemp and Cannabis Law team attended the Southern Hemp Expo in Raleigh, NC last week. This was the third annual…
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How OSHA’s Revised COVID-19 Guidance Affects Agriculture and Food Processing Employers
September 3, 2021
In an effort to reflect recent updates provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”)…
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In the Agribusiness Industry? Don’t Miss These Three Legal Developments to Keep an Eye On
September 1, 2021
The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce is an avid advocate for the economic health and well-being of agribusiness and agriculture in the State through its…
Firm News
Tyler Russell to Speak at the 3rd Annual Southern Hemp Expo
August 23, 2021
Attorney Tyler Russell will be a featured speaker during the 3rd Annual Southern Hemp Expo. He will be joined by Dr. Greg Gerdeman, President…
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The End is Near for North Carolina’s Hemp Pilot Program
August 6, 2021
For some time, North Carolina’s hemp farmers and growers have questioned the fate of our hemp cultivation pilot program, authorized and adopted under the…
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A New Commodity in a Traditional Box: Hemp’s Commodity Status Demands Appropriate Attention
July 15, 2021
The United States government federally decriminalized hemp on December 20, 2018, making hemp biomass—the raw, harvested agricultural plant—a commodity like any other crop, such…
Firm News
The Hemp Connection: Ward and Smith Sponsors Upcoming SEHA Events
June 29, 2021
Ward and Smith is making a hemp connection in July. We’re sponsoring two upcoming events for the Southeast Hemp Association (SEHA), a non-profit organization…
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Banking on Hemp: Financial Services for a Growing Industry
April 28, 2021
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“Farm Bill”) became law more than two years ago, decriminalizing hemp and its derivatives and opening the door…
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Common Ground for Hemp in an Uncertain World
March 5, 2021
Several members of our Hemp Law team attended the Industrial Hemp Summit in late February. The annual event is typically held in person at the…
Firm News
Tyler Russell to Speak at the 2021 Industrial Hemp Summit
February 15, 2021
Hemp and Cannabis Law attorney Tyler Russell will participate in a panel discussion at the 2021 Industrial Hemp Summit. The Summit is a two-day…
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Hemp Suits: Proactive Risk Management is Key
December 16, 2020
Business transactions come with the risk that litigation may arise at some point in the life of the parties’ dealings. Transactions involving hemp—whether pertaining…
Firm News
Media Mention: Allen Trask Discusses Hemp on the “Objection to the Form” Podcast
December 3, 2020
Hemp and Cannabis Law attorney Allen Trask is the latest Ward and Smith attorney to appear on an episode of “Objection to the Form.”…
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Important Update: Hemp Pilot Program Extended
October 1, 2020
For months, farmers and growers of hemp have faced a difficult decision: What to do at the end of October as the North Carolina…
Firm News
Tyler Russell to Speak at Virtual Hemp Business Law CLE
September 24, 2020
Attorney Tyler Russell will be a presenter at the Hemp Business Law CLE, hosted by the NC State University’s Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics. Marne…
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Five Things to Consider When Selling Your CBD Business
August 28, 2020
For many business owners, the intended exit strategy is to sell to a competitor or a larger company, thereby taking advantage of the upside…
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Seeing Through the Fog: Obtaining a Grower’s License in Uncertain Times
June 26, 2020
If all of the recent upheavals in the law and regulations for hemp have left you confused about how to get a hemp grower’s…
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Joint Ventures in Hemp – You Don’t Have to “Go It Alone”
May 15, 2020
Investors and owners of hemp and CBD businesses have grit – a trait that goes hand-in-hand with being an entrepreneur. They are innovative, learn…
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Help for the Hemp Industry in the COVID-19 Crisis
April 3, 2020
The last month has been difficult for everyone, to say the least. The hemp industry as a whole has faced tremendous economic pressures and…
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Challenges of New Hemp Brands
February 5, 2020
Trademarks include the elements that constitute a “brand.” Trademarks typically consist of words, phrases, symbols, designs, or any combination of those things, identifying and…
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Tearing Up the Litmus Test: Potential Problems with Testing Employees for Marijuana Use
January 3, 2020
Picture this: You are a law-abiding citizen. You observe the speed limit (or, at least, stay within five MPH of it), you don’t cheat…
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4 Things Hemp Lawyers Want You to Know Before You Sell CBD Products
December 20, 2019
You’ve probably heard this by now, but hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) were previously classified as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances…
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Class is in Session: CBD Class Action Lawsuits are Trending Up
December 11, 2019
Products containing hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) have become incredibly popular in the United States, with new product brands entering the market seemingly every day. Consumer…
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FDA Issues Warnings to 15 Companies for Illegally Selling Products Containing CBD
November 27, 2019
On November 25, 2019, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) published a press release, published a revised Consumer Update, and announced the issuance…
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Hemp’s Storied Past – and (Potentially) Bright Future – in North Carolina
November 20, 2019
Hemp has long held a prominent place in our nation’s agricultural history. Hemp was a staple crop in Colonial America. It was present on…
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USDA Establishes National Domestic Hemp Production Program
November 5, 2019
On October 31, 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) published its Interim Final Rule establishing the nation’s Domestic Hemp Production Program, and…
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Sewing Strong Seeds, Reaping Strong Benefits: NC Chamber’s 2019 Agribusiness Conference Delivers Big Yields
October 7, 2019
This marks the second year that the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce has hosted a formal business conference dedicated to Agribusiness in North Carolina…
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A Win for Hemp in Court, and What it (Might) Mean for North Carolina
September 17, 2019
The hemp and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industries today face substantial uncertainty, and they lack clear Federal rules, regulations, and guidance within which governments and businesses…
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Federal Trade Commission Joins in Warning Companies About Unsupported CBD Health Claims
September 12, 2019
Much of the regulatory “attention” regarding cannabidiol (“CBD”) has been, understandably, focused on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). Indeed, the FDA was…
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Hemp Crop Insurance Update: “Whole-Farm” Coverage to Include Hemp
August 29, 2019
The unavailability of crop insurance for hemp has long been a source of frustration and risk for growers in North Carolina, especially in the…
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DEA Recognizes Legality of Hemp
August 27, 2019
On August 26, 2019, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (or “DEA”) issued a public notice that formally – and, finally! – expresses the agency’s…
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NC Legislative Update: Hemp Legislation Passes House; Headed Back to Senate
August 23, 2019
On August 21, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted, by a narrow margin, to advance Senate Bill 315 – North Carolina Farm Act…
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Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: The Raging Legislative Battle Over Smokable Hemp
July 23, 2019
Hemp and its derivatives – including hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) – were previously classified as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act of…
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Industry Update: USDA Aims to Release Hemp Rules by August
June 25, 2019
Hemp was decriminalized with the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, a.k.a. the “2018 Farm Bill.” While the 2018 Farm Bill decriminalized…
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USPS Revises Policies on Shipment of Hemp and Hemp-Related Products
June 14, 2019
Effective June 6, 2019, the United States Postal Service (USPS) revised its rules and regulations to provide new mailing standards for hemp and products…
Firm News
Ward and Smith Launches Hemp + Cannabis Law Practice Group
June 10, 2019
The exponential rise of hemp in North Carolina is only paralleled by the growing legal complexities and challenges that come with efforts to regulate…
Firm News
Tyler Russell Testifies Before NCGA Senate Committee on Hemp
June 7, 2019
Following the federal decriminalization of hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”), North Carolina lawmakers are taking steps to ensure the state’s hemp industry grows and…
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Hemp News: Updates on Interstate Travel, Interstate Commerce, and Crop Insurance
June 6, 2019
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently changed its policy on hemp-derived products. Products and medications that contain lawfully produced hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) are now…
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Beer, Hemp, and CBD in North Carolina
May 13, 2019
The cannabidiol (“CBD”) industry is exploding today. Hemp and hemp-derived CBD were classified as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act of…
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2018 Farm Bill and Federal Trademark Protection for Hemp
May 10, 2019
This article continues our earlier discussion about brand protection for hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”). The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) generally refuses to register…
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Compliance Inspections for CBD Retail Operations in NC
May 8, 2019
In February, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (the “Department”) disclosed its intent to issue CBD Advisory Letters to hemp and…
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USDA Accepting Plant Variety Protection Applications for Hemp
April 30, 2019
In April 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) announced that it will accept plant variety protection applications from breeders of seed-propagated hemp. This…
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Trademarks and Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol: Brand Protection for CBD Products
March 22, 2019
Cannabidiol (commonly referred to as “CBD”) has been in the news for several years now, due to its touted health and wellness benefits. This…
Firm News
Media Mention: North Carolina’s New Cash Crop?
March 18, 2019
Growing hemp could be North Carolina’s latest agriculture craze. Demand for hemp and hemp-derived products, such as CBD, is fueling a boom. While hemp is…
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Are the Bankruptcy Courts Available for the Cannabis Industry?
March 8, 2019
Since 2012, ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use. Another 23 states have legalized some form of…
Firm News
Allen Trask Selected for NCBA’s 2019 Leadership Academy
March 4, 2019
Each year, the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) selects only 16 outstanding attorneys from across the state for its Leadership Academy, and Ward and…
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Trends from the Industrial Hemp Summit
February 27, 2019
This week, we attended the Industrial Hemp Summit in Danville, VA. The quality of the event, the information shared, and the people in attendance…
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NC CBD Companies Take Notice: NC Dept. of Agriculture Issues CBD Advisory
February 12, 2019
The Agriculture Act of 2018 legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol, or “CBD,” on the Federal level by removing both substances from the definition of…
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Hey, Careful, Man, There’s a Beverage Here! TTB, CBD, and the Production of Beer
February 1, 2019
So you brew beer? Cool. So you want to brew a beer with cannabidiol? Even cooler. Don’t know what cannabidiol is? That’s ok. You…
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There’s a New Sheriff in Town: The Food and Drug Administration’s Move to Regulate CBD
January 10, 2019
Hemp has wide commercial application and appeal with a viable market for nearly every part of the plant, from the seeds, to the roots,…
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The End of Hemp Prohibition
December 20, 2018
On Thursday, December 20, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“Farm Bill”). “Farm bills” are adopted by…
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Industrial Hemp News Update: DEA Reschedules CBD Therapy
October 2, 2018
As we have written before, the legal world of cannabis-derived products is dynamic and uncertain. The current uncertain environment was born in the wake…
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Making and Keeping Your Mark: Hemp Brand Protection in a Brave New World
August 20, 2018
For North Carolinians, hemp is here. The federal legalization of hemp grown under state-sanctioned research programs in the Agricultural Act of 2014, combined with…
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Hemp News Highlights
June 29, 2018
We’ve previously published articles about industrial hemp and the excitement and curiosity it continues to garner as a cash crop in North Carolina. That…
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Industrial Hemp: Go for the Boom, Avoid a Bust!
June 1, 2018
While relatively new to North Carolina’s farm economy, industrial hemp is gaining traction as a promising cash crop. Interest and acceptance are growing among…
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Hemp Horizon: Time for Growth?
February 23, 2018
The Legal Commercialization of Industrial Hemp in North Carolina North Carolina is an agricultural power house. The state’s farmers contribute over $80 billion to…
