💸 The Tape

I give you Bidens Marijuana Accomplishments As Per Grok:

Joe Biden's accomplishments related to marijuana reform include several notable actions:

• Pardons for Marijuana Possession: Biden issued a presidential proclamation in October 2022, pardoning thousands of individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law and in Washington, D.C. This was extended in December 2023 to include offenses for attempted possession and use of marijuana, effectively removing barriers related to employment, housing, and educational opportunities for those with these prior convictions.

• Reclassification of Marijuana: In May 2024, it was announced that Biden's administration aimed to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, acknowledging its medical uses and lower potential for dependence. This move would make it easier for research and reduce the tax burden on legal cannabis businesses. The process was initiated with a review by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2022, leading to a recommendation for rescheduling, which was followed by actions from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

• Legislation Support: Biden signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act into law in December 2022, which aimed to facilitate research into marijuana by streamlining the application process for researchers.

• Public Statements and Policy: Throughout his administration, Biden has publicly supported decriminalization at the federal level, seeking expungements for past cannabis convictions, and allowing states to set their own marijuana policies. His administration has also highlighted these reforms as part of broader criminal justice reform efforts.

These actions reflect a significant shift in federal policy, aiming to address the consequences of past marijuana convictions and to align federal law more closely with the changing landscape of state-level legalization. However, these measures do not equate to full federal legalization, which remains a contentious and ongoing legislative discussion.

📈 Dog Walkers

Trulieve Expands In Ohio

Trulieve continues its quest to turn Ohio green, launching its Zanesville dispensary at 3674 Maple Avenue. Starting January 17, local cannabis enthusiasts can explore a wide range of products from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. CEO Kim Rivers beams with excitement about the brand's new relationship with Muskingum County. For those bored by lines, there's an express pickup service, perfect for swift transactions. This marks yet another step in Trulieve’s empire-building spree across Ohio, where the brand is also thriving in Beavercreek, Columbus, and Westerville. Looks like Zanesville just got a potent jolt of exciting retail competition—investors, take note.

Rationalizing The Delay

The cannabis industry just dodged a bureaucratic bullet. The DEA’s now-paused rescheduling hearing was shaping up to be a one-sided affair, with the agency stacking the deck against a move to Schedule III. Enter Village Farms and Hemp for Victory, who called foul and hit the brakes on a process that seemed destined for failure. Their intervention shifts the decision-making power to a new Justice Department and an incoming DEA chief—both under a Trump administration that, at least publicly, supports rescheduling. Critics may call this a delay, but seasoned investors know better: this is strategic maneuvering at its finest. The stakes? The very future of a state-legal, multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry that would be crushed under a Schedule I or II ruling.

Op-Ed - MM

🗞️ The News

Banking, veterans and research top priorities for Congress, new Cannabis Caucus chair says

New Florida recreational marijuana proposal aims for 2026 ballot

Cannabis Cocktails Are Growing Quickly, But the Law Might Stop That Soon

📺 YouTube

Cannabis Giants Unite: Banking Reform and Rescheduling on Horizon

What we covered:

✅ On our latest Trade to Black podcast, David Culver, Senior Vice President of the United States Cannabis Roundtable, will join us to talk about cannabis rescheduling, SAFE Banking developments under the Trump administration, and their plan of action toward the Trump administration with immediate plans being reported.

New broke Thursday morning in the cannabis industry involving the formation of the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable, where America’s largest legal cannabis companies are pooling their resources to break the bureaucratic stalemate on federal marijuana reform.

The new powerhouse advocacy group merges the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Cannabis Roundtable, representing a sector that employs nearly half a million people and operates 13,000 dispensaries across 38 states.

Charlie Bechtell, CEO of marijuana stock Cresco Labs (OTC: CRLBF), is at the helm, backed by industry heavyweights like Curaleaf (OTC: CURLF), Trulieve (OTC: TCNNF) and Green Thumb (OTC: GTBIF).

With Trump returning to the White House and Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and RFK Jr. all whispering pro-cannabis sentiments in his ear, the industry is banking on a green wave.

Plus, “Big” Mike Straumeitis from Advanced Nutrients will join us once again to provide an update on what the latest he’s heard from his network concerning cannabis reform. Last month, he interviewed a member of Trump’s presidential campaign team, Bryan Lanza, where after the interview he felt confident that rescheduling would be announced in the first 60-90 days under the Trump administration. We’ll find out if he still feels that way.