Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs.  What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things.  But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

RELATED: Mixed Messages From The Feds About Cannabis

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

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Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.

The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster.  With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes.  Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.

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During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.

The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.

The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.

RELATED: The Science Behind Why Music Sounds So Much Better When You’re High

Ohioans have some pretty sweet cannabis legalization—if they can keep it.

This March, state herb lovers must activate to defend their hard-fought cannabis freedoms from Republican lawmakers.

Ohioans approved of legalization in November 2023 with a 57% yes vote on Issue 2. However, Republican lawmakers can completely repeal Issue 2, and they’ve started the repeal process this winter.

Email your lawmaker and tell them to “Vote no on Senate Bill 56.” Call, text, and testify if you can.

What’s going on with Ohio legalization repeal in 2025?

Republicans re-criminalizing weed in Senate Bill 56

So far, the state has sold $347 million in legal, taxed grass. Adults age 21 and older can possess and use 2.5 ounces and grow up to 6 plants per person. 

Ohio Republicans have one big bill to unwind legalization—Senate Bill 56.

The bill would:

• Sicken Ohioans by requiring new, untested chemicals diluting their vapes
• Dictate what Ohioans can do in their own backyard
• Make it a crime for a husband to give a joint to his wife
• Make it a crime to vape on a boat—even as a passenger

SB 56 also contains a gift to the alcohol industry— SB 56 caps dispensaries at just 350. Meanwhile, there are 24,000 active liquor permits in Ohio.

Contact your lawmaker and protect your freedoms. Ohio has over 1 million regular cannabis consumers.

When should I speak up on Ohio’s repeal of legalization?

The time is now. 

Stop legalization repeal bill SB 56 

Senate Republicans already voted passed SB 56 in late February. It requires new chemicals in your cannabis extracts to dilute them below a 70% THC cap. It’s a pro-cartel bill that hands over the hash market to illegal dealers who will have untaxed, untested, more potent products.

SB 56 went live for debate in the Ohio House on March 3, and it should head to the House Finance Committee. Email them.

Who is trying to trample on cannabis consumers’ rights in Ohio?

The chief Republican pushing pot re-criminalization is Sen. Stephen A. Huffman—who is up for reelection in November 2026. All nine Senate Democrats voted ‘no’ on Huffman’s SB 56.

Legalization is popular—57% of Buckeye voters passed it. Nearly $347 million in legal weed has been sold since August.

Why are lawmakers subverting the people’s will?

Lawmakers think they know better than the voters who elected them, legalized it with 57% of the vote.

Sen. Huffman has said, “I’m not sure why people voted for [legalization].”

Ohio Republicans opposed legalization in 2023, and pitch partial repeal for “consumer and child safety.”

However, voters approved Issue 2 to increase consumer and child safety. Legal markets tax, test, and regulate cannabis. They check IDs, and use child-safe packaging. Repeal gives a win to street dealers that literally poisoned children.

Why do Ohio’s Republican lawmakers think they know better than their voters?

It’s the same paternalism that drove the drug war in the first place. The party of ‘small government,’ ‘personal responsibility,’ and ‘low regulation’ has taken aim at your backyard, your vape pen, and sharing a joint to your wife.

Over 40 opponents spoke at SB 56’s Senate hearing. Only six spoke in favor of repealing legalization. Republicans advanced repeal anyway.

Can Ohio voters win this year?

Sure.

Voters over in Montana already defeated several bad bills in their state during this legislative cycle. Ditto for South Dakota.

Lawmakers respond to emails, phone calls, text messages, and testimony from constituents. Inboxes flooded with ‘Vote No on SB 56’’ will make them twice.

You can find your Ohio lawmaker on this page.

Keep the message simple: ‘No new taxes and regulations on weed’ and mention you are a constituent. The majority is with you.

Ohio Republicans will keep trying each year to lock people back up for weed. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.