💸 The Tape

Move over avocado toast—California’s other green staple is having a moment. A sweeping new study from UC San Diego finds that 37 percent of California adults are current cannabis consumers, and the majority aren’t just lighting up for fun—they say it helps with everything from mental health to work performance (yes, really).

The Impact 64 survey, backed by the California Department of Cannabis Control, polled more than 15,000 Californians between late 2022 and early 2023 and dove deep into how the Golden State is engaging with its post-Prop 64 cannabis landscape.

Among the highlights: 82 percent of users reported mental health benefits, 81 percent saw emotional health improvements, and 62 percent felt better physically. Bonus points for those who found cannabis helpful for focus (63%), relationships (57%), and even work performance (42%). Although, let’s be honest—your boss might raise an eyebrow at that last one.

Side effects? Sure. “Brain fog” and “lack of motivation” came in at 21 percent each. But that still leaves a solid majority feeling good about their high.

Where are people getting their cannabis? 77 percent use retail stores, and 94 percent of those believe their source is fully licensed (regulators might beg to differ). 35 percent use delivery services, while others turn to friends (32 percent) or grow their own (12 percent). Only 15 percent consult doctors for cannabis info—most turn to the internet (51%) or friends and family (50%).

As for how often people partake, nearly 38 percent use cannabis multiple times a day, and another 33 percent use it four times a week or more. Only 30 percent could be called “casual users.”

The preferred products? Flower (56%), edibles (50%), and vapes (36%). Gone are the days of just joints and brownies—California consumers are connoisseurs now.

The survey adds new texture to how cannabis is shaping life in the state—and comes as regulators continue exploring research, sustainability, and even labor protections for cannabis users. Meanwhile, as cannabis use among older adults surges nationwide, California is clearly leading the way—not just in consumption, but in how seriously it’s being studied.

📈 Dog Walkers.

Colorado Product Labeling Problems

What’s Going On Here: A University of Colorado Boulder study published in Scientific Reports has found that nearly half of cannabis flower products in Colorado are inaccurately labeled for THC potency, with most labels overstating the amount of THC. Researchers secretly purchased 277 products from 52 dispensaries between November 2022 and October 2023, testing them at a licensed lab. About 44% of flower products had a 15% or greater discrepancy between the label and actual THC content. While concentrates were generally more accurate, they too tended to be labeled with higher-than-actual potency.

The findings raise concerns for consumers relying on THC levels to gauge effects. Researchers argue that accurate labeling is key for public health research and consumer trust, especially given the lack of federal testing standards. Industry voices acknowledge variability in testing but deny any widespread intent to mislead. Colorado regulators say they are reviewing the results and will discuss the findings with stakeholders.

Kentucky Medical Program Litigation

What’s Going On Here: The rollout of Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is now facing a legal challenge that could upend the state’s entire licensing process.

A group of Jefferson County-based investors and cannabis businesses—unsuccessful in securing licenses—have filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Kentucky and former Office of Medical Cannabis Director Sam Flynn, alleging the structure of the program is unconstitutional. Their core argument: the General Assembly improperly delegated legislative authority to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services when it allowed the agency to determine licensing regions and caps, a function the lawsuit claims should belong solely to the legislature.

Key Allegations in the Lawsuit:

• The lottery-based licensing process is invalid because the legislature failed to define regional boundaries and license allocation procedures in statute.

• Out-of-state companies allegedly created multiple LLCs to skirt limitations and obtain licenses across all categories (cultivation, processing, retail), achieving de facto vertical integration—which is restricted by law.

• Plaintiffs are requesting that the entire program be paused, current licenses revoked, and that they be granted licenses.

The lawsuit comes amid growing backlash from local hemp and cannabis stakeholders, who argue the program favored deep-pocketed, out-of-state applicants. Their concerns have already triggered an official investigation by State Auditor Allison Ball, which began in April.

In response, the Office of Medical Cannabis defended its process, saying the 2023 enabling legislation gave the agency full authority to design the program’s structure, including the use of a transparent, randomized lottery system.

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📺 YouTube

Rescheduling Rumors, SAFE Banking, and Trump's Cannabis Silence | TTB Powered By Dutchie

What we will cover:

✅ Host Shadd Dales and co-host Anthony Varrell react to the latest wave of cannabis rescheduling rumors—and fresh comments from Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who just confirmed what many feared: the SAFER Banking Act is still stuck in gridlock.

Merkley says bigger headline items like war and reconciliation bills are taking up all the oxygen in Congress. While he’s hopeful for action “sooner than later,” GOP co-sponsor Bernie Moreno doesn’t expect anything until fall.

That’s left the industry asking: Does SAFE need to pass before cannabis banking becomes real—or could Trump step in with an executive order or tie it to crypto banking reform? Right now, the silence from the White House is deafening.

Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, also joins the show to weigh in on key state battles. He breaks down whether Pennsylvania is on track for adult-use legalization—and what’s really behind the political fight in Texas between Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who made headlines for saying: “I’m not going to legalize marijuana. If voters don’t like that, so be it.”