💸 The Tape

In his first major interview post-confirmation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new head honcho at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has stirred the pot (pun intended) on the hot-button issue of marijuana. During his chat with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham, Kennedy didn’t shy away from expressing his worries about the potent greenery. “Catastrophic impacts,” he called it. Yikes! That’s not exactly the endorsement we were yearning for.

Kennedy’s apprehensions aren't without merit. He’s been riding the recovery wagon for over 40 years, and as someone who attends 12-step meetings like clockwork, he’s heard his fair share of horror stories about Mary Jane. But before we get the pitch forks out, know this: he’s also advocating for the route to foster research into both the harms and potential benefits of cannabis. Because why criminalize when you can scrutinize, right?

Here’s where Kennedy gets all Mr. Science on us: he’s all for leveraging the state-level legalization to dive deep into the world of cannabis research. “We need to do studies. We need to figure it out,” he asserts. And he’s not just blowing smoke. The HHS has recommended downgrading marijuana from the scary Schedule I to the more manageable Schedule III under federal law. A move that’s now in the DEA’s court.

Interestingly, Kennedy has not been a one-trick pony on this issue. Remember his presidential campaign days? He was all in for marijuana reform, advocating for a federal tax on the stuff to fund drug treatment and rehabilitation. But political dynamics and blunt truths, and Kennedy’s once loud voice on cannabis has been somewhat muted lately.

The drama doesn’t end here. Enter Sen. Pete Ricketts, who’s got Kennedy’s commitment to “follow the science on the harms of marijuana.” And let’s not forget the DEA’s new leader, a seasoned vet with reservations about the green stuff. Please see the HHS Report and OLC Memo to reinforce “the science”.

📈 Dog Walkers

Decibel Turns Up

Decibel Cannabis is flexing its market muscle with the strong performance of its General Admission Liquid Diamond Vapes, proving once again that premium innovation sells. Since launching in late 2024, Decibel has added 1.5 points to its 1g 510 vape market share, solidifying its #1 spot in the segment. Available across key provinces in three bold strains, these vapes are just the beginning—an ultra-high potency infused pre-roll line is set to hit shelves soon.

Hawaii Senate Makes A Move

Hawaii’s Senate is inching closer to cannabis legalization, with two committees greenlighting SB 1613—a bill that would legalize adult-use marijuana and consolidate hemp and cannabis oversight under a single agency. While the Judiciary and Health Committees advanced the measure by narrow votes, public opinion was a perfect 50-50 split, with 86 supporters and 86 opponents voicing their stance. Law enforcement and religious groups aren’t thrilled, but supporters argue that cannabis is already widely accessible. Even with Senate momentum, the bill faces a steep climb in the House, where a companion measure has already been punted to next session.

Minnesota Grants

Minnesota’s cannabis legalization isn’t just about rolling out a new industry—it’s about righting historical wrongs and fostering inclusive economic growth. The state’s Office of Cannabis Management is launching CanRenew, a $1 million grant program designed to uplift communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. With awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, these funds will fuel economic development, public health initiatives, and violence prevention. The grants prioritize nonprofits, tribes, and local businesses with a social equity focus. Paired with programs like CanStartUp and CanTrain, Minnesota is ensuring that its cannabis boom benefits those historically sidelined, not just big corporate players.

🗞️ The News

Judge tells Colorado Springs to “take all actions necessary” to remove recreational marijuana repeal measure from ballot

RFK Will ‘Follow The Science On The Harms Of Marijuana,’ GOP Senator Says Following Vote Confirming Trump’s Health Secretary Pick

Montana GOP Senator’s Bill Would Require People To Register And Pay A $200 Annual Fee To Use Recreational Marijuana

📺 YouTube

New DEA Head Terry Cole: Cannabis Regulation in Focus | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅ On our latest TDR Trade to Black podcast cannabis reform video, host Shadd Dales highlights the newly appointed head of the DEA, Terry Cole. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, raising questions about his stance on cannabis rescheduling under the Trump administration.

Terry Cole has an extensive background in law-enforcement, however, he was not President Trump's first choice for the role. This may result in him facing limitations in influencing decisions on cannabis reform. Even though he has strong stance on cannabis, the power to reschedule cannabis lies more with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Pam Bondi.