💸 The Tape

Cannabis reform advocates got a partial win this week as a key House committee advanced one marijuana-related amendment to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)—but punted on another.

The House Rules Committee gave the green light to an amendment from Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Dina Titus (D-NV) that would expand the use of waivers for military recruits who test positive for THC. The measure recognizes what’s already happening in the Army and Navy, where waiver programs are helping to keep recruitment pipelines flowing despite cannabis showing up on tox screens. With the Air Force, Space Force, and Marines lagging behind, the amendment nudges them to catch up, especially as recruitment struggles mount.

The text requires the Defense Secretary to set up a permanent waiver system, study whether to reach out to would-be recruits previously rejected for cannabis, and report back within 180 days. It’s a quiet but meaningful acknowledgment that the federal government can’t keep pretending weed is rarer than water in 2025.

But while Congress is warming to the idea of recruits getting a second chance after a positive test, it slammed the door on a broader effort to modernize military cannabis rules. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) had filed an amendment to make clear that service members can lawfully use hemp products, including CBD, if they comply with federal and state law. That amendment was blocked from floor consideration.

The rejection leaves standing a patchwork of bans from nearly every branch of the military—policies so strict they’ve at times warned service members against CBD hand sanitizer, hemp granola, and even over-the-counter wellness products. The Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard have all reiterated “no hemp, no how” rules in memos stretching back to 2018.

Last year, the House passed a more ambitious NDAA provision that would have prohibited marijuana drug testing for enlistment altogether, but the measure was stripped in negotiations with the Senate.

The takeaway? Congress is inching toward reality, acknowledging that cannabis use shouldn’t be an automatic career killer in a world where nearly half the country lives in legal states. But until lawmakers are ready to reconcile federal prohibition with state-level reforms—and military brass gets over its fear of hemp hand cream—THC and the armed forces will remain in a legally awkward standoff.

📈 Dog Walkers

$CBSTF ( ▲ 6.74% ) Expands In Ohio

Whats Going On Here: The Cannabist Company is officially rolling into Norwalk, Ohio, opening Huron County’s very first cannabis dispensary at 383 Milan Avenue on September 10. This marks the debut of the Cannabist brand in Ohio and the company’s sixth store statewide—serving both medical patients and adult-use customers thanks to dual-use licensing. SVP Erick Rodriguez praised the team’s smooth execution, promising visitors a “higher” shopping experience built on expert guidance and trusted brands. Customers can expect Cannabist staples like Classix, Seed & Strain, and Triple Seven, plus over 100 third-party options ranging from flower to edibles. With Norwalk live and Saint Clairsville in the queue, the Buckeye State is becoming a full-on Cannabist country club.

$CGC ( ▲ 7.41% ) Launches Fresh Vape Line

What’s Going On Here: STORZ & BICKEL, the German engineering powerhouse behind some of the cannabis industry’s most iconic vaporizers, just unveiled the VEAZY—its sleekest and most approachable device yet. At only 0.3 lbs, this pocket-sized vaporizer blends portability with the brand’s signature precision, featuring a patented mini heater that delivers dense, flavorful vapor every time. For the first time ever, S&B is adding a splash of personality with four colorways—Charming Pink, Inspiring Orange, Dynamic Blue, and Alluring Black—because who said medical-grade tech can’t be stylish?

With one-button control, three pre-set temps, a ~40-second heat-up, and a $249 price point, the VEAZY is designed to welcome beginners without alienating the pros. Add USB-C fast charging (80% in 40 minutes), Bluetooth compatibility with the S&B app, and global distribution across 100+ countries, and you’ve got a device that lives up to its name: vapor made easy.

Managing Director Jürgen Bickel summed it up best: “Consumers have been asking for accessibility with style. VEAZY delivers both while holding true to 25 years of superior standards.” Translation: the Rolls Royce of vaporizers just dropped something closer to a Tesla—premium, but built for the masses.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Mike Tyson: “Good News” on Cannabis Rescheduling | TDR Cannabis in 5

What we will cover:

✅ Mike Tyson just dropped a headline on The Katie Miller Podcast—he says he’s expecting good news on cannabis rescheduling. Coming only weeks after President Trump said he would make a decision on cannabis “soon,” Tyson’s comments land at an interesting moment in the national conversation.

In this episode of TDR Cannabis in Five presented by Dutchy, host Shadd Dales breaks down Tyson’s remarks, the platform he chose, and why the timing stands out. From calling cannabis “medicine” to saying it helps athletes relax and even “play better,” Tyson’s words add both cultural and political weight to the debate.

We also look at the broader context: Trump’s August 11 comments, national media coverage from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post earlier this summer, and how Tyson’s advocacy fits into a pattern of public appearances, letters, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

At the end of the day, this is about understanding the moment. Tyson is optimistic, the media attention is there, and the White House has already said a decision is coming soon. Nothing is guaranteed until it happens—but it’s worth paying attention to voices like Tyson’s as the conversation continues to unfold.