Is Cannabis Rescheduling Finally Happening this month?
It’s the first Trade To Black episode of 2026 presented by Flowhub. Anthony and Shadd open the first full week of 2026 with a mix of real-time dealmaking and hard policy reality out of Washington. We’ll also look at the latest news in the industry, including the acquisition of Grön by Wyld. And Michael Bronstein will share where the cannabis rescheduling process actually stands right now, including why the DEA appeal process remains unresolved despite President Trump’s executive order.
Kicking off, we dive into the news about Wyld’s acquisition of Grön, two of the largest edibles brands in the market. The all-cash structure appears to suggest Wyld has a healthy balance sheet and that Grön had been seeking a strategic partner rather than selling to a multi-state operator. We’ll share our thoughts.
Attention then shifted to federal cannabis rescheduling, with discussion centered on timing expectations following the executive order directing the Department of Justice to move forward. January deadlines may be overoptimistic; cannabis reform has been historically moving slower than anticipated and external geopolitical distractions may slow things down farther. Rescheduling work continues within a large DOJ apparatus and remains on track for completion in Q1 rather than by the end of January.
Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, joins the show for the weekly Insider’s Edge segment to explain what’s happening in Washington. The continued presence of a DEA appeal and related administrative steps reflects an existing Biden-era administrative process that must be formally resolved before a final rule can be issued.
Bronstein stated that these steps are procedural rather than obstructive. They should be viewed as part of the normal legal process rather than a source of uncertainty. Bronstein also addresses the anticipated legal challenges to rescheduling, noting that opponents have publicly stated they will sue once the rule is published.
Beyond rescheduling, we’ll look at 2026 policy priorities, including intoxicating hemp regulation, synthetic THC products, and forthcoming FDA guidance identifying cannabinoids. Bronstein warns that unregulated hemp products continue to distort public perception of cannabis and pose political risk to state-regulated markets. State-level battles, particularly in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, were cited as examples of the growing tension between legalization popularity and regulatory backlash.
Tune in for the full discussion.
