💸 The Tape

Pennsylvania’s lawmakers are passing the cannabis joint around, with bipartisan efforts sprouting to legalize adult-use marijuana. On July 14, 2025, Reps. Emily Kinkead (D) and Abby Major (R), backed by eight cosponsors, filed a House bill to end prohibition, hot on the heels of Sens. Dan Laughlin (R) and Sharif Street (D)’s Senate proposal. This new House measure, joined by Rep. Amen Brown’s (D) upcoming companion bill, aims to light up the Keystone State with regulated cannabis sales, a Cannabis Regulation Fund, and a Keystone Cannabis Authority to keep things chill. It’s not their first toke—earlier this session, a House-approved bill with state-run stores got snuffed out by the Senate, proving the path to legalization is stickier than resin.

The push isn’t just about good vibes; it’s about economic opportunity and justice. With a looming budget gap, advocates like ResponsiblePA’s Brit Crampsie argue regulated cannabis could spark jobs and fund healthcare and transportation, especially in rural and urban communities. Street emphasizes expunging records for low-level offenses, giving a nod to equity for communities hit hard by prohibition. Laughlin’s betting the House’s support could sway Senate leaders, who’ve been as stubborn as a stuck lighter, to favor cannabis revenue over tax hikes.

But the Senate, led by GOP Majority Leader Joe Pittman, isn’t ready to inhale legalization for the 2026 budget, despite Gov. Josh Shapiro’s optimism. Shapiro notes that neighboring states like Maryland are cashing in, with 60% of their dispensary customers hailing from Pennsylvania. Polls show voters are ready to roll with private sales over state stores, and even GOP holdouts like Sen. Gene Yaw admit prohibition’s a bust, comparing it to failed alcohol bans. Yet, with the GOP-controlled Senate and Democrat-led House, getting everyone to share the legalization blunt is trickier than a one-handed roll. Will Pennsylvania finally spark up, or stay stuck in a prohibition haze? The clock’s ticking, and the Commonwealth’s holding its breath.

📈 Dog Walkers.

$ACB ( ▼ 1.97% ) Expands International Distribution

What’s Going On Here: Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) is toking on success with its Brampton, Ontario distribution centre earning the coveted EU-GMP certification, a golden ticket to boost its global export game. Announced yesterday, this makes Aurora’s hub a shining star among its Canadian and European facilities, all waving the EU quality flag. The certification, tied to EudraLex’s strict medicinal product rules, ensures Aurora’s medical cannabis meets top-tier standards for quality and consistency, perfect for shipping to Europe’s discerning patients. VP Jill Lau called it a “validation of our global approach,” positioning Aurora as Canada’s top exporter with a knack for getting premium buds to patients worldwide. The Brampton centre now serves as a slick, centralized hub for storage and distribution, streamlining Aurora’s supply chain like a well-rolled joint. With this win, Aurora’s doubling down on regulatory excellence and science-driven growth, aiming to keep the global cannabis scene lit. Will this spark a new high, or just keep the good vibes flowing? The world’s watching.

$MRMD ( ▼ 9.7% ) Strikes Maine Licensing Deal

What’s Going On Here: MariMed Inc. (CSE: MRMD) (OTCQX: MRMD) just lit up a new licensing deal with The Stoned Moose, LLC, a Maine cannabis operator with a knack for vertical integration. This partnership is set to flood Maine’s $455 million cannabis market with MariMed’s Betty’s Eddies fruit chews, the edible equivalent of a rock star. Previously exclusive to Maine’s adult-use crowd since 2022, the deal now opens the door for medical cannabis patients, who drove over half of Maine’s cannabis sales in 2024. CEO Jon Levine is buzzing, noting the deal will hook 15 million tourists and locals alike with these top-selling treats. Betty’s Eddies already dominates Massachusetts, Maryland, and Delaware, and MariMed’s betting on a similar high in Maine. This move is a puff in the right direction for their “Expand the Brand” strategy, aiming to sprinkle their award-winning edibles far and wide. Will Maine munchers make Betty’s Eddies their new favorite? Grab a chew and watch the green wave roll.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Chinese Gangs in U.S. Cannabis? Steve Robinson Connects the Dots | TTB Powered By Dutchie

What we will cover:

✅ Today on Trade To Black: Steve Robinson is in the building—and he’s not holding back.

Robinson is the Editor-in-Chief of The Maine Wire, an investigative news outlet focused on state policy, accountability, and political transparency. He’s also a former producer for The Howie Carr Show and a well-known voice in conservative media.

Lately, he’s been doing some of the most aggressive reporting in the country on how foreign crime syndicates—mainly Chinese-backed operations—are running illegal cannabis grows across rural Maine. These grows are: • Using toxic pesticides banned even in China • Exploiting U.S. taxpayer-funded land credits • And operating with near-zero local enforcement

Steve just appeared on the Tucker Carlson Podcast to lay it all out. Now, he joins Trade To Black to explain what he’s uncovered, how it ties into national cannabis policy, and what industry players need to pay attention to.

Also on the show—Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp will join us for the latest Insiders Edge segment.