What Washington is Saying on Cannabis Rescheduling

Is federal cannabis rescheduling actually moving forward — or are we still waiting on Washington to show its hand? Trade to Black presented by Flowhub returns with host Shadd Dales alongside Anthony Varrell for a focus on the latest on rescheduling out of Washington and cannabis news. Plus, Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, joins us for our weekly Insider’s Edge segment.

We’ll start with the latest comments from a GOP congressman pushing back on concerns that cannabis rescheduling is stalled, saying President Trump made it clear the Department of Justice must act. That raises an important question: if the directive is clear, what happens next — and what are industry participants watching for while the DEA process remains pending?

Michael Bronstein (President, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp) shared updates on federal and state cannabis policy developments from his perspective. Despite the slow pace, Bronstein and Varrell believe this is “part of the process,” and lawsuits are expected shortly after AG Pam Bondi signs the rescheduling paperwork.

A major topic was the division within the hemp industry over the 2018 Farm Bill extension and intoxicating cannabinoid products. Bronstein predicts the federal government will not allow unregulated intoxicating hemp sales to continue and advocated for “accountability over unity.” Some hemp operators are pushing for unrealistic “free-for-all” access to THC analogues, despite mounting Congressional resistance.

At the state level, Pennsylvania and Virginia are making moves toward adult-use legalization. Pennsylvania’s political tone “feels different,” according to Bronstein, with rescheduling momentum helping shift legislative attitudes. Virginia appears to be targeting a 2026 start date for adult-use sales, potentially with a focus on small business inclusion. Florida remains complex, with significant national implications and institutional rotation in its legislature. In Texas, expanding medical use and new regulatory hurdles—including licensing fees—highlight the state’s evolving but unpredictable stance.

You won’t want to miss this episode.