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- 🌊 We Have A Potential Wrench
🌊 We Have A Potential Wrench
Anthony Varrell
January 23, 2025
GM Everyone,
We had a major op-ed run on Fox News yesterday from Mike Tyson and Weldon Angelos—home run. If you want to get something on the MAGA crowd's radar, that's their home base, and it's not a platform that has been kind to the cannabis movement in the last couple of years. Could this be a changing of the times or them giving Iron Mike the nod due to his stature? Let’s not forget that Donald was the one that pardoned Mr Angelos.
I'll be impressed if we get some further follow-through and coverage of the cannabis industry as it relates to the positives, which would confirm that the media performed well site-wide. This could be another data point for them to see the sentiment shift around cannabis, but either way, we still have a lot of work to do.
A little more than a 6 minute read.
💸 The Tape
Derek Maltz: The New Acting Administrator of the DEA
The Trump administration has appointed Derek Maltz as the new acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Maltz, a 28-year veteran of the DEA, brings a wealth of experience and a no-nonsense approach to the role1. His appointment comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with the fentanyl crisis and the influence of Mexican drug cartels.
Career Highlights
Maltz's career at the DEA is marked by significant achievements. He served as the special agent in charge of the DEA's Special Operations Division (SOD), a multi-agency nerve center that coordinates international drug- and crime-fighting efforts2. Under his leadership, the SOD played a crucial role in dismantling powerful drug trafficking networks and bringing notorious cartel leaders to justice. Maltz also served as the Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the country's oldest and largest drug task force2.
Stance on Marijuana
Maltz has been vocal about his opposition to marijuana legalization and rescheduling. He has linked marijuana use to school shootings and criticized the Biden administration's efforts to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug4. Despite his skepticism, Maltz has stated that if there is scientific evidence supporting marijuana rescheduling, he would consider it. However, he remains cautious and emphasizes the need for thorough scientific evaluation5.
Stance on Fentanyl
Maltz is a staunch advocate for aggressive action against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. He has consistently pushed for designating Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations6. Maltz believes that these cartels pose a significant threat to national security and public health. His approach to tackling the fentanyl crisis involves close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and raise public awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids2.
Policy Approach
As the new acting administrator, Maltz promises to lead the DEA with integrity and grit. He plans to continue the agency's relentless pursuit of drug cartels and prioritize public safety2. Maltz's policy approach is expected to focus on enhancing drug enforcement and intelligence efforts, seizing record amounts of illicit drugs, and bringing the world's most ruthless narco-terrorists to justice. He also aims to create a vast network of community partners to spread critical awareness and protect American lives2.
Derek Maltz's appointment as the acting administrator of the DEA signals a renewed commitment to combating drug trafficking and synthetic opioid abuse. His extensive experience and unwavering dedication to public safety make him a formidable leader in the fight against the nation's drug crisis.
📈 Dog Walkers
Americans Like Their Sleep
In a nutshell, the latest survey shows that 16% of Americans aged 21 and up use cannabis to catch some Zs—more than prescription sleep aids or alcohol, but not quite as popular as supplements or OTC sleep aids. Turns out, almost everyone (79%) has something keeping them up at night, and 58% use some sort of sleep aid. Interestingly, cannabis is the go-to for parents, low-income folks, and residents of the West and Northeast. Snooze on that, America!
Aurora To Report 2/5
Aurora Cannabis Inc. is all set to spill the beans on their third-quarter 2025 financial results on February 5, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Join Miguel Martin and Simona King for the lowdown on the company's performance. Don't miss it!
GTI To Report 2/26
Heads up, cannabis enthusiasts! Green Thumb Industries is set to unveil its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results on February 26, 2025, after the market closes. Tune in at 5:00 p.m. ET for the lowdown and some Q&A action. Don't miss it!
🗞️ The News
📺 YouTube
Cannabis CEO's Feedback From President Trump Inauguration Event | Trade to Black
What we covered:
✅ On our latest Trade To Black Podcast, Charlie Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs (OTC: CRLBF), will join us to talk about his recent trip to Washington over this past weekend, where he attended a number of Presidential inauguration events for the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
We'll learn about the latest news involving cannabis reform, including the rescheduling of cannabis, along with banking reform regarding SAFE Banking, and his take on rumors online about a potential executive order for cannabis by the Trump administration.
Some of the notable events over this past weekend included the Vice President's Ball featuring VP JD Vance, plus a number of other high-profile events. We'll ask if the topic of cannabis was addressed with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and what elected officials' sentiments are towards cannabis, and if there is growing sentiment to finally see change under the new Trump administration.