Insider’s edge: What’s Next for Pennsylvania Cannabis?
This Monday’s Trade To Black, Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell to break down a week full of state-level cannabis developments, federal lobbying momentum, and a string of upcoming earnings reports. Joining us for our Insider’s Edge segment is Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis. On Insider’s Edge, we’re breaking down a grand jury report that just dropped—and it’s not good news for cannabis smoke shops across Pennsylvania.
In the news: the hosts discussed a federal cannabis raid in Oregon that unexpectedly became an immigration sweep involving ICE and GEO Group buses. This kind of overlap between the DEA and immigration enforcement may become more common as federal agencies crack down on illegal activity tied to unregulated hemp and THC products.
The hosts noted a similar trend in Pennsylvania, where a grand jury report found that 93% of hemp-derived products sold at gas stations and smoke shops were actually illegal cannabis. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, including the state attorney general, are now pushing for stronger oversight, and a vote on SB 49—which creates a regulatory framework—is expected when the Senate reconvenes mid-November.
At the federal level, Bronstein described increasing lobbying efforts targeting appropriations and agriculture committees, aiming to clarify the legal distinctions between hemp and marijuana in the next Farm Bill or funding package. He emphasized that misinformation from the hemp lobby is being corrected and that Congress is only just beginning to understand the need for more precise regulation around synthetic and intoxicating THC products. While delays persist, the effort to define hemp, regulate THC, and bring tax parity to the cannabis industry is gaining momentum behind the scenes.
Bronstein confirmed that Governor Shapiro remains firmly in support of adult-use legalization and has grown frustrated with legislative delays. Closing out the show, Bronstein reiterated that rescheduling, full legalization, and tax reform remain the clearest path forward—and that the longer Congress waits, the more chaotic the marketplace becomes.
Be sure to tune in for a packed earnings week, with major reports from Chicago Atlantic, Trulieve, Curaleaf, Aurora, Jushi, and more.
