On this episode of Trade To Black, host Shadd Dales, Anthony Varrell and GUAP break down the growing divide inside the GOP on cannabis and hemp reform — and why it could shape the 2026 election. A new letter to President Donald Trump, signed by the Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers, is urging immediate action on three key issues. Also: “Big Alcohol” has put their support behind hemp. We’ll explain why.
We kick off the episode with behind-the-scenes insights from Tyson’s recent podcast appearance in Berlin. Shadd shares how a last-minute invitation to a private dinner led to a surprise interview with the boxing legend. Be sure to check out the interview on YouTube if you’ve missed it. Despite technical hurdles and a crowd of 300 onlookers, the team captured a compelling conversation with Tyson, who now joins a growing coalition—including Kevin Durant, Ricky Williams, and Des Bryant—pressuring the U.S. government to reschedule cannabis. According to Dales, Tyson “believes in his gut” that change is coming.
Examining this week in politics, the hosts analyzed Representative Matt Gaetz’s renewed push for GOP cannabis reform, cautioning that vocal support outside the administration doesn’t always translate to action once in office. They pointed to Senator Thom Tillis as a more influential Republican voice, noting his recent admission that “the prohibitionists have lost.”
There have been efforts to federally restrict hemp products containing THC, including full-spectrum CBD. In response, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)—representing “big alcohol”—came out strongly against unilateral bans of products containing THC, arguing it would devastate the fast-growing hemp beverage market.
The team also discussed Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of SB3 and his surprising rationale—that banning hemp products would lead to years of litigation. Anthony praised Abbott’s “leadership” in prioritizing action over posturing. Meanwhile, Congressman Andy Harris’s proposed ban on any hemp product containing THC sparked concern from industry groups like the WSWA, who fear devastation to the hemp beverage market.
The episode closed with a critique of anti-cannabis group SAM, which opposes allowing veterans access to medical marijuana. Anthony condemned their position as out of touch, especially given the growing evidence of cannabis and psychedelics helping veterans manage PTSD and addiction. The team called for compassionate, data-informed reform and highlighted the need for strategic voices—like Eric Trump’s—to influence federal cannabis policy.
