💸 The Tape

In a move that should rattle many a dispensary, President Donald Trump tapped Terrance Cole—Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security—to helm the DEA. Known for 21 years of globe-trotting drug busts (and 28 years in law enforcement overall), Cole’s anti-cannabis stance makes him a polarizing figure for investors watching the U.S. weed market. Despite overseeing Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority, Cole frequently blasts legalization on social media, dropping hashtags like #JustSayNo.

Before you count him out as a relic of the “Just Say No” era, keep in mind that Cole’s crackdowns can spell mixed signals for the industry. On one hand, Operation FREE netted impressive drug seizures—70 million lethal fentanyl doses alone—proving he’s serious about public safety. On the other hand, such tough talk about marijuana sends cannabis stocks teetering fast.. If Cole’s deep skepticism toward weed becomes official policy, expect regulatory headwinds to pick up steam.

Proponents of stricter enforcement see Cole’s dedication to eradicating illicit substances as long overdue. Others worry he’s ushering in a retro era of zero tolerance that could stifle emerging cannabis markets—particularly those banking on favorable federal policy shifts. After all, more states are embracing cannabis, and big players are poised for federal reform that might never materialize if Cole leads a full-throttle clampdown. Which its very likely he won’t due to the agenda of the executive branch.

While Cole’s nomination doesn’t seal the fate of marijuana policy altogether, it definitely shakes the investment calculus. The question is: Will a hardliner at the DEA spook the market, or will the current rescheduling initiative push forward? Some optimists argue that local control might trump federal strictness, but Cole’s appointment will no doubt add to the uncertainty.

Bottom line: Cole’s track record reads like a DEA greatest hits album—fentanyl seizures, global stints, and outspoken anti-weed rhetoric. For those in the cannabis sector expecting a red carpet to federal legalization, this shift in leadership might feel like a wake-up call. Keep an eye on how Congress, states, and the courts respond because if Cole’s stance gains traction, it could be choppy waters ahead for pot stocks. Either way, his nomination all but guarantees a lively chapter in the tug-of-war between zero-tolerance policies and the green wave sweeping across America.

📈 Dog Walkers

Tilray In Focus

Tilray Medical is doubling down on Germany’s cannabis market with an expanded lineup of top-tier extracts, bridging the gap between patient demand and progressive healthcare providers. The highlight? A new 25ml THC50 CBD50 formula that caters to those needing heftier cannabinoid content, while a smaller 10ml THC10 CBD10 format welcomes newcomers to more measured dosing. As Chief Strategy Officer Denise Faltischek says, their “unwavering focus on innovation and education ensures physicians and patients can trust our products.” With this move, Tilray cements its position as Germany’s leader in medical cannabis extracts, signaling investors that strategic expansion remains a prime pillar of growth in Europe’s burgeoning cannabis ecosystem, reinforcing the brand’s global footprint.

Trulieve Opens Middleburg Locale

Trulieve’s Florida footprint just grew again, this time in Middleburg. The new dispensary kicks off February 14 with a festive grand opening, complete with music, special discounts, and educational sign-ups—like a Valentine’s Day gift for cannabis enthusiasts. Located at 1539 Blanding Boulevard, it operates seven days a week, offering popular house brands (Alchemy, Co2lors, et al.) plus top-shelf partner lines like Khalifa Kush and Alien Labs. All told, this launch underscores Trulieve’s ongoing Sunshine State expansion—and savvy shareholders should keep an eye on the company’s growing market dominance.

Brazil Is Exploring Cannabis

Brazil’s agricultural research giant, Embrapa, is poised to revolutionize cannabis farming as it did for grains, with a 12-year research plan awaiting Anvisa’s green light. Researchers aim to build on Embrapa’s legacy of developing climate-friendly genetic varieties, this time applying their expertise to cannabis. Plans include a comprehensive seed bank, adapting cultivars to Brazil’s tropical conditions, and establishing regional production hubs. Companies have already expressed interest in medicinal, food, and even carbon-fixing traits. Meanwhile, a recent court ruling has legalized certain hemp strains, setting the stage for Brazil’s potential emergence as a global cannabis powerhouse.

🗞️ The News

Hawaii Senate Panel Approves Bill To Increase Amount Of Marijuana That’s Decriminalized Under State Law

Brazil agriculture agency plans long-term research into cannabis cultivation

5 utility-bill errors that prove costly for indoor cannabis growers

AYR Cannabis Dispensary Updates Retail Footprint

📺 YouTube

Cannabinoids: How Rescheduling Could Ignite Growth | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅ On the latest episode of the Black Podcast hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell dive talk cannabinoids.

They’ll discuss how the category has evolved into a macro trend within the broader cannabis and consumer goods industries.

Jerry Griffin, VP of Sales and Marketing at BayMedica—a leading supplier of cannabinoid ingredients and a subsidiary of InMed Pharmaceuticals, which trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol INM will join us, along with James Stephens, co-founder of Sinful Beverages, a Montana-based cannabinoid beverage company.

The conversation will focus on the growth of the cannabinoid industry over the past few years, highlighting how brands like Wylde and Grön, and how they’re resonating with consumers, often outperforming traditional cannabis flower.

We’ll also talk about the rising popularity of minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, and THCV, their role in functional products, and how supply chain dynamics are shaping the industry.