One Month After The EO To Reschedule Cannabis
It’s been one month since the White House executive order directing a fast-track push to move cannabis to Schedule III. On this episode of the Trade To Black podcast presented by Flowhub, host Anthony Varrell is joined by Michael Bronstein (President, ATACH — American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp) for a ground-level debrief on what’s actually changed—and what hasn’t—since the announcement to reschedule cannabis. This episode zeroes in on two major developments shaping the next phase of U.S. cannabis policy: the confirmation of Sara Carter as the nation’s new “Drug Czar” (ONDCP Director) and Virginia’s latest move to finally bring an adult-use retail market online—including a newly filed bill that would establish the legal framework for licensed cultivation, processing, testing, and sales.
Michael Bronstein of ATACH unpacks what has—and hasn’t—happened since the EO. Despite limited movement, two major developments emerged: Sarah Carter’s appointment (who supports rescheduling via the executive branch) and the adult-use cannabis bill from the VA. Bronstein highlighted Carter’s behind-the-scenes influence and the administration’s historically significant posture on cannabis, calling it potentially the most meaningful reform effort since the Controlled Substances Act.
While Trump has shifted the GOP stance on cannabis, resistance remains among older Republicans and entrenched interests. Bronstein believes that as Republican primary voters evolve, political resistance will wane, but for now, regulatory progress remains halting and contentious.
Virginia’s proposed adult-use framework is using a Maryland-style rollout, though high conversion fees raised eyebrows. Bronstein warned that such fees could stifle market transition.
The second half of the episode focuses in on the chaotic hemp industry. The hemp market suffers from poor leadership, unrealistic lobbying goals, and bad-faith actors—particularly those pushing for an extension without offering a regulatory framework. Bronstein likens the current environment to “regulatory whack-a-mole,” warning Congress is unlikely to grant more time just to preserve the status quo.
Instead, they argued that the future—“Hemp 2.0”—should be rooted in low-dose, regulated products akin to alcohol’s three-tier system. A regulated and American-led cannabis industry—built on sensible standards—could thrive. State-level legislative action is expected to ramp up, with particular attention on VA, PA, and Florida in the coming months.
