In our latest Trade To Black podcast presented by Flowhub, hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell welcome Michael Bronstein, president of the American Hemp and Hemp Trade Association. Together, we will move forward on changes in hemp and hemp policy, including Farm Bill updates, reclassification updates, and hemp in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The House has passed its version of the Farm Bill, and inside is language that tightens the definition of hemp and targets toxic products like Delta-8, THCA and synthetic cannabinoids. The bill heads to the Senate, where the debate is becoming more important, and Sen. Rand Paul is one of the main names to watch as lawmakers decide whether this hemp language stays, changes or is challenged. Plus the latest on hemp rearrangements. Medical cannabis has officially been moved to Schedule III, and the DEA has scheduled a hearing for June 29 to determine whether marijuana should follow suit entirely. That opens the door to a big debate about what the federal framework looks like from here. They also enter Virginia’s adult-use deadline and the recent uncertainty surrounding Pennsylvania’s legalization.
We begin the discussion on the expected legal challenge related to the rescheduling of cannabis, from smart approaches to marijuana (SAM). With the DEA already accepting applications under the new framework, guest Michael Bronstein believes SAM faces an uphill battle, noting that bicameral support for reclassification from the Biden and Trump administrations makes it extremely unlikely that a stay will be granted.
The 2024 Farm Bill passed the House with hemp language that redefined the plant to include only natural, non-intoxicating cannabinoids, effectively targeting Delta-8, THCA flower, and much of the synthetic hemp market. Bronstein cautioned that the Senate vote remains a high stakes, noting that the bill is already burdened by competing priorities, with the summer recess fast approaching and a November deadline creating additional pressure.
At the state level, the panel addressed comments from the presumptive Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, who publicly said he would veto any bill to legalize adult use and suggested Senate Republicans block it as long as they have a majority. Bronstein noted that the comments have attracted widespread media attention and argued that the position seems increasingly out of step with federal momentum.
Finally, the hosts turned to Virginia, where Governor Spanberger has until the end of May to sign, veto or allow the legalization bill to become law without his signature. This and more when you join.