Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell welcome back Big Mike, founder of Advanced Nutrients, for a discussion on the future of cannabis reform in the wake of rescheduling rumors. With momentum building around potential US rescheduling of cannabis under the Trump administration, Mike expressed more optimism than ever that change is imminent. He’ll also explain why quality still matters in a price-driven industry.
We dive into that growing buzz around cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III under a potential Trump administration. Big Mike explains what it means for cultivators, investors, and everyday growers—while addressing whether this is true reform or just political chess. Big Mike believes former President Donald Trump’s recent comments about cannabis rescheduling signal a serious push to capture the Gen Z vote.
Rescheduling would be a boon for the industry. For plant-touching businesses, Schedule III means the elimination the burden of 280E taxes. For Advanced Nutrients, the biggest benefit lies in R&D credits. Advanced Nutrients spends around $1.3–1.4 million annually on research, and rescheduling would finally allow credits for that work. He hopes this will fuel new innovation in cultivation science and medical applications. Already, investors are approaching with roll-up offers exceeding $100 million, underscoring the potential for some big opportunities.
Discussing market trends, while low-end cultivators face heavy price compression, premium cannabis remains profitable. Top indoor growers using Advanced Nutrients earn $200–300 more per pound than average, with exotic strains fetching up to $2,000 per pound. Big Mike explains why chasing low prices hurts quality, brand trust, and consumer loyalty—and whether top-shelf flower still has a viable future.
We’ll take a closer look as Big Mike unveils the 8th Generation of Advanced Nutrients and how it solves real grow-room problems with new R&D breakthroughs. These solutions, featuring biostimulants like Voodoo Tabs, Bud Factor X, and Big Bud, aim to simplify cultivation while boosting terpene and cannabinoid production. Demand is high, with over 1,500 growers already on a waiting list. Internationally, Canada is a bright spot with 67% growth, while Germany remains a key target as Europe opens up.
Looking ahead, Mike stresses the importance of collaboration among top-tier cannabis brands, competitors included, to push legalization forward. He envisions integrating sensor technology and AI to generate tailored SOPs for growers, revolutionizing cultivation efficiency. With rescheduling potentially weeks away, Mike said the industry is poised for a “Wild West” period of opportunity, driven by data, partnerships, and premium quality.
