Bronstein: Cannabis Leaders Meet in DC
On the latest Trade To Black by Dutchie, we go live with an Insider’s Edge segment in Washington, DC. Joining the show is Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH). Bronstein is in DC as several major MSO executives meet to compare notes on policy, strategy, and the overall direction of federal cannabis discussions.
There’s a lot of conversation centered on one question: where federal cannabis reform stands now.
Host Shadd Dales and analyst Michael Bronstein recap a day filled with cannabis policy discussions that brought together major industry leaders including Boris Jordan, Charlie Bachtel, George Archos, and Kim Rivers. Bronstein said the prevailing belief among attendees is that Schedule III rescheduling is expected to happen.
But what are we looking at for timing? Despite the number of agencies involved, Bronstein noted that the administration has generally followed through on policy actions it publicly commits to, and industry leaders believe the White House now fully understands the implications after extensive education efforts.
Kim Rivers participated in a panel discussing how rescheduling could unlock additional federal reforms such as SAFE Banking. Many speakers argued that if rescheduling occurs, Congress would revisit cannabis-related bills more seriously. Attendees encouraged viewers to contact their congressional representatives and simply ask whether rescheduling is a priority, emphasizing that constituent outreach remains one of the most effective tools for prompting lawmakers to raise the issue with the White House.
Bronstein says that a large part of the day in DC focused on turmoil inside the hemp industry following new congressional language targeting synthetic THC derivatives and THCA flower. Jim Higdon of Cornbread warned that many current hemp products could be treated as Schedule I substances within a year. Payment processors and banks have already begun cutting off services, signaling that the impact is immediate. Congress viewed the original hemp definition as a loophole and acted accordingly, leaving companies scrambling to adjust.
Bronstein also addressed developments in Pennsylvania, where cannabis was not included in the state budget. Instead, the issue has returned to the legislature, with bipartisan interest forming around SB 49 and its proposed cannabis control board. While political disagreements remain, momentum for adult-use continues to grow.
Tune in for the full discussion.
