Blunt Business

Blunt Business zeroes in on major developments unfolding on the congressional front. It highlights how impending federal rescheduling could significantly alter medical cannabis policies within the Veterans Administration, potentially expanding access for military veterans by allowing VA doctors to discuss and document use, as well as refer patients to state-approved programs. Additionally, we break down the bipartisan BUILD Act (Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-Term Development Act), a piece of transportation legislation moving toward a House floor vote. The bill directives mandate federal agencies to invest $110 million to research poly-substance impairment and establish standardized, evidence-based driving limits, addressing the long-standing scientific flaws and regional inconsistencies currently plaguing roadside testing.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As the federal government moves toward rescheduling marijuana, the cannabis industry is eyeing a massive financial shift: the potential for $15 billion in retroactive tax relief from Section 280E. While the transition to Schedule 3 offers a path to future profitability, businesses must act immediately to file protective claims before statutes of limitation expire.This economic evolution coincides with a significant demographic pivot, as older adults become the fastest-growing consumer group, frequently choosing edibles for pain and sleep management over pharmaceuticals.However, the move toward higher-potency THC products is a double-edged sword, with new studies linking high-strength medicinal cannabis to increased risks of anxiety and psychiatric side effects, underscoring the need for careful regulation and informed medical guidance.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we explore the dual impact of cannabis legalisation and rescheduling—focusing on both the massive financial implications for the industry and emerging scientific research on health benefits.The $2 Billion Tax Windfall The program leads with a deep dive into the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Experts estimate that rescheduling could result in a $2.3 billion tax break, allowing businesses to finally show healthy profit margins, attract traditional investors, and move away from high-risk private capital.Cannabis as a Tool in the Opioid Crisis The discussion then shifts to a significant study from the Boston University School of Public Health. Research indicates that in states where adult-use cannabis is legal, daily opioid use among people who inject drugs fell by 9 to 11 percentage points.Brain Benefits for Older Adults Finally, the episode highlights surprising new research from the University of Colorado regarding cannabis use in adults over 40. Contrary to long-standing stereotypes of cognitive decline, the study of over 26,000 participants found that moderate cannabis use—often for sleep or chronic pain—was associated with larger brain volumes in certain regions and better cognitive function (including improved processing speed and attention).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blunt Business discusses the evolving landscape of cannabis banking, where Kevin Hart (CEO of Green Check Verified) explained that financial institutions are increasingly engaging with the sector, driven by data transparency, robust compliance standards, and the realization that there is no codified rule preventing them from doing so.Hart details that Green Check Verified facilitates banking by providing compliance data to financial institutions, enabling services beyond deposit accounts, and anticipated that the potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule 3 will unlock traditional banking services, reduce capital costs, and attract major players from other industries.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In what is being hailed as a "watershed moment" for the cannabis industry, President Trump has officially signed an executive order to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act. This historic shift, which follows a bipartisan initiation process started by the Biden administration, formally recognizes the plant's medical benefits for the first time in over 50 years. Beyond rescheduling, the order explores directing Medicare to cover CBD products and encourages Congress to pass the Safer Banking Act to grant legal businesses access to traditional financial institutions. Industry experts anticipate the move will eliminate the heavy federal tax burdens of IRS Code 280E, spark a surge in clinical research, and skyrocket institutional investment. While the President emphasized that this is not full federal legalization, the order opens the door for future clemency for non-violent offenders and marks a significant step toward ending the stigma of prohibition.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ryan Hurley, founder of Litix Legal, discusses the "full swing market correction" in the Arizona cannabis industry, stressing the critical need for lean, compliant operations for survival. He introduced Litix Legal's model of "killing the billable hour" through flat, subscription-based rates, making legal services more accessible and predictable for businesses burdened by costs like Section 280E. Hurley cautioned that exploiting the intoxicating hemp loophole threatens voter trust and the industry's future. He expressed cautious optimism about federal Schedule III reclassification as a positive step. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blunt Business welcomes back Paul Weaver, Director and Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, to Blunt Business to discuss the expansion of their Emerald Hour cannabis line, which now includes cocktail-inspired THC gummies made with live rosin, launching in Ontario and Alberta following last year's beverage debut. Paul explained the company’s bifurcated cannabis strategy, focusing on Teapot for mainstream consumers and Emerald Hour for experienced users, capitalizing on the gummy category's larger market size compared to beverages. We also covered the market validation of cannabis beverages, the high-growth demographics of younger consumers and women driving sales, and the importance of national regulation—rather than prohibition—for a sustainable industry amidst challenges from groups like the Beer Institute.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LeafLink CEO Ashwin Raj discusses the changes for their customers involve a shift back to a flat-fee pricing model from a usage-based structure. discuss the company's shift in its pricing model. Leaf Link is reverting from an unpopular usage-based structure back to a flat-fee structure and simplifying its product tiers from three to a Starter and a Pro package. We also discuss Ashwin's background in scaling commerce and fintech platforms at companies like Visa, Amazon, and Lyft, explained Leaf Link's strategy to use technology to navigate the cannabis industry's complex regulatory environment. This includes providing tools for compliance, order and inventory management, sales processes, and financials. Leaf Link is also sunsetting the previous "post model" to introduce a new financial services strategy that guarantees payment to sellers and offers retailers options like Flex Pay through Leaf Link's Dharma banking service, while focusing on methodical technology partnerships to improve integrations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy