Jushi & MariMed Talk Pennsylvania Cannabis Strategy
In this episode of the Trade to Black podcast: Pennsylvania could be the next big story in US cannabis — and this time, it feels like something real is happening. With more than 440,000 medical patients, $1.7 billion in yearly sales, and a new Senate bill to create a Cannabis Control Board, the Keystone State looks like it’s quietly getting ready for adult-use legalization. But how close are we, really?
Trent Woloveck, Chief Strategy Officer at Jushi Holdings (OTCQX: JUSHF), and Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed (CSE: MRMD), join the show to talk through what’s actually going on behind the scenes in Pennsylvania. They cover Pennsylvania’s reform timeline, the fight over hemp-derived THC, and how both companies are positioning themselves for when the market finally opens up.
The panel focused on the recent formation of a Pennsylvania cannabis control board via SB 49, which aims to regulate medical cannabis and hemp-derived THC. Woloveck praised the bipartisan effort, particularly the Republican leadership, for addressing public health risks associated with unregulated hemp products.
Crandall discussed MariMed’s entry into Pennsylvania through its agreement with Tilt Holdings’ Standard Farms. He highlighted the company’s asset-light, brand-focused strategy and expressed optimism about bringing its edible brands, like Betty’s Eddies, into the market once regulatory barriers ease.
A major concern raised was the proliferation of illicit hemp-derived THC products. Woloveck cited a Villanova University study estimating the unregulated market at over $1 billion in PA alone, with products often contaminated and mislabeled. He emphasized the need for regulation and enforcement, referencing a recent raid on 14 smoke shops and calling for public health and safety reforms.
The conversation also touches on potential federal developments, including rescheduling and regulatory language in upcoming agriculture appropriations. Both executives believe rescheduling could drive capital markets and industry consolidation. They expressed confidence in their preparedness to scale operations and grow brand presence if adult use passes. Get the full scoop when you tune in to this episode.
