Bronstein On Texas HB42 And DEA Vote on Terrence Cole
On our latest Trade To Black podcast, Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell sit down with two guests, Margaret Brodie from Rubicon Organics and Michael Bronstein from the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, to cover important updates in both the Canadian cannabis market and a fast-moving hemp policy fight in Texas with HB42.
The episode kicks off with a feature interview with Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics Rubicon Organics (ROMJ:TSXV) who returns with updates on the company’s latest moves. On July 2, Rubicon launched its 1964 Supply Co all-in-one FSE resin vapes, marking a strategic push into Canada’s competitive vape market.
Brodie shares details on the Hope, BC facility expansion, which is expected to boost premium cannabis production through the back half of 2025. She also weighed in on Canadian LPs turning to international markets. Ontario’s OCS is beginning SKU rationalization, trimming its portfolio from 5,200 to 4,500 SKUs. Brodie likened entering the market now to launching a third political party—doable, but highly challenging without ground game and sales infrastructure. With categories like pre-rolls and all-in-one vapes growing, Brodie noted the market is maturing as consumers increasingly expect trust and consistency.
The bigger story is in Texas, where hemp policy could soon shift. Michael Bronstein breaks down what’s at stake as lawmakers head into a special session following Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of SB3. With HB42 in focus, legislators will debate THC potency caps, retail licensing, consumer protections, and local opt-outs—decisions that could make Texas a blueprint for US hemp regulation, says Bronstein. Still, no unified industry strategy has emerged, with disagreements between hemp producers, beverage brands, and medical operators.
Bronstein also weighs in on today’s vote on Terrence Cole’s potential appointment as DEA Administrator under the Trump Administration, a move that could influence how aggressively the federal government approaches cannabis rescheduling and hemp enforcement going forward. His confirmation—though not likely to influence policy directly—could remove regulatory uncertainty.
This and more.
