💸 The Tape

A bill aimed at tightening the reins on Alabama’s hemp industry got its first public hearing Wednesday in a House Health Committee meeting that featured a lively tug-of-war between public safety concerns and economic caution.

HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), would hand regulatory authority over consumable hemp products to the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, treating delta-8 gummies with the same regulatory gusto as top-shelf bourbon. Think fewer gas stations, more controlled environments—and definitely no sales to anyone under 21.

“We are coming for the bad actors,” Whitt declared, holding up neon-packaged hemp products he claimed were being sold to kids. “Convenience stores need to stick to selling gas and sodas.”

The bill would limit THC content in edibles and drinks to five milligrams per serving, impose testing and labeling requirements, restrict sales to liquor stores or adult-only shops, and tack on an excise tax to boot.

Supporters—especially in law enforcement—cheered the proposal. Lt. Chuck Bradford of the Trussville Police Department said his team is seeing more overdoses linked to vape store products, claiming some contain THC levels well above the federal legal limit of 0.3%. (No data was cited, though.)

“Basically, we’re allowing people to sell marijuana,” he said, bluntly.

But not everyone in the room was buying the panic. Carmelo Parasiliti, CEO of Green Acres Organic Pharms, said the “data simply does not support the hysteria.” He cited just 235 delta-8 cases reported to Alabama’s Poison Center in 2023—roughly 0.018% of the state’s under-21 population—with zero fatalities.

“These are nonlethal, nonaddictive, federally legal cannabinoids,” he said. “This isn’t fentanyl in disguise.”

Industry groups warned that the bill could have sweeping economic consequences. Molly Cole of the Alabama Hemp and Vape Association called HB 445 “rush legislation” that could eliminate over 10,000 jobs statewide, urging lawmakers to consider a study commission instead.

“Let’s do this the right way,” she said. “Other states have figured this out without gutting their industries.”

Ironically, Becky Gerritson of Eagle Forum Alabama argued the bill doesn’t go far enough, suggesting it effectively legalizes recreational marijuana through the back door. “These products need to be banned,” she said.

For now, no vote was taken, but one thing’s clear: Alabama is inching toward tighter hemp regulation. The only question is whether lawmakers will proceed with a scalpel—or an axe.

📈 Dog Walkers.

MariMed Promotes From Within

What’s Going On Here: MariMed is leveling up its leadership team, promoting Ryan Crandall to Chief Commercial Officer in a move that underscores his pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. Crandall, who’s been with MariMed since 2018 and most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer, now takes charge of Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Retail Ops.

He’s no stranger to cannabis innovation—Crandall co-founded Betty’s Eddies™, the popular all-natural edibles brand MariMed later acquired. With roots in tech sales and a proven track record of brand-building and customer experience, Crandall is set to steer MariMed’s commercial strategy as it continues to scale in a competitive cannabis market. CEO Jon Levine called the promotion “well-deserved,” and given Crandall’s past performance, investors and consumers alike can expect more smart growth—and maybe a few more award-winning edibles—in the pipeline.

Why This Matters: Good to see the promotion for someone that has been with the company for some time now.

Minnesota In Flux

Whats Going On Here: Minnesota’s recreational cannabis rollout is looking like a slow burn. According to lawmakers and industry experts, don’t expect non-tribal dispensaries to open their doors until late spring or early summer 2026—at best. The holdup? The state still hasn’t finalized the rules, meaning licenses likely won’t even be issued until May or June 2025.

Business consultant and cannabis law contributor Stefan Egan didn’t mince words, calling the situation “a big mess” that’s paralyzing potential operators who can’t invest in land, facilities, or equipment without regulatory clarity. Add in the time needed to approve testing labs and build out operations—typically 9 to 12 months—and you’re staring down a 2026 launch.

Senator Mark Koran warned that potential lawsuits or rollout missteps could force a full program revamp. Meanwhile, the Office of Cannabis Management remains optimistic, pointing to over 1,000 eager applicants ready to hit the ground running—as soon as the legislature gives them a roadmap. For now, though, Minnesota’s recreational market is stuck in pre-roll.

Why This Matters: This market is taking absolutely forever to come online. So long that its an afterthought to many as a growth oppotunity for the industry.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Cannabis Industry: Organigram's Bold Bet & Texas Hemp Policy Update

What we will cover:

✅ Host Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell welcome in Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram (NASDAQ: OGI) to discuss their strategic $6.2 million acquisition of Collective Project, a THC hemp-derived beverage company.

This move strengthens Organigram’s footprint in Canada’s cannabis beverage market but also positions them to enter the growing U.S. marijuana sector with offerings like sparkling juices, teas, and sodas.

We also welcome back Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, for our weekly Insider’s Edge segment.

Top of discussion? The ongoing Texas hearings regarding Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 28 involving the hemp market. These proposed bills could potentially reshape the state’s hemp industry.