Cannabis Rescheduling And Hemp Panic?
What actually went down in Washington with the hemp-derived THC ban this week — and what does it mean for cannabis, hemp, and the push toward federal rescheduling? Welcome to the Trade To Black Podcast presented by Dutchie, with host Shadd Dales and co-host Anthony Varrell, who just got back from DC after spending two full days in rooms filled with the biggest names in the industry. Today, they’re breaking down what they saw, what they heard, and why the conversations in Washington hit different this time around.
It’s been a tough week for cannabis, and market standing misunderstandings and potential bias add to the confusion. Zuanic made some erroneous remarks about Tilray’s market standing by cap, and commentary was dismissive about other MSOs.
But a lot of attention is on the industry’s escalating anxiety over the federal hemp ban, and even though it doesn’t take effect for 365 days, it is already impacting distribution, retail, and consumer access. Fallout could come much sooner, especially as major companies begin distancing themselves from now-risky hemp-derived products. While rescheduling cannabis may provide long-term relief, it won’t reverse the current ban or preserve interstate hemp sales.
Rep. Nancy Mace’s recent reentry into cannabis policy—introducing a bill to block the hemp ban—was met with skepticism. Though previously vocal on reform, her year-long silence followed by a sudden return raised questions about political opportunism, especially given her ties to South Carolina’s robust hemp market and reported gubernatorial ambitions.
A highlight came when Joe Rogan blasted the ban on his podcast, blaming Big Alcohol for lobbying Congress to protect its turf. His comments drew mainstream attention to what many saw as a protectionist maneuver rather than a public health initiative. Texas, Rogan’s home state, is among those most affected by lack of legal cannabis access, making hemp products a critical alternative for medical users—especially seniors.
As the industry scrambles to adapt, the call for unity between hemp and cannabis sectors grew louder, though speakers questioned how such a coalition would function under current legal frameworks. With minor cannabinoids like CBN and THCV also threatened under the new law, the outlook for hemp producers remains grim.
Despite the doom, Dales and Varrell closed with optimism that big players like Trulieve, GTI, and Curaleaf are aligning efforts behind the scenes. Whether this results in regulatory change remains to be seen.
