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Happy Wednesday! We are Nicolás Rodríguez and Patricio Liddle here, bringing you this week’s essential cannabis news to help you stay informed and power through the week.

With last night’s debate behind us, it’s clear that cannabis reform didn’t cut—Trump and Harris stuck to the usual battleground topics. In Texas voters seem ready to shake things up, showing growing bipartisan support for cannabis reform while Massachusetts faces its shake-up, ousting the local Cannabis Chief.  Vangst forecasts 1M cannabis jobs by 2029, and Decibel reports significant market growth. The cannabis debate may be slow, but the industry’s momentum isn’t.

Cannabis Reform Slips Through The Cracks In Last Night’s Debate

Trump’s support for Florida's Amendment 3, backing cannabis legalization, emerged as a potential challenge to Harris, whose administration began rescheduling efforts. However, the debate stuck to key issues like abortion, immigration, and energy, avoiding criminal justice reform and cannabis legalization altogether. 

This may be a tactical "puff, puff, pass" from both candidates, playing it safe with swing states in mind. Rescheduling could roll in some tax benefits and boost cash flows, but real challenges like interstate commerce need more than a quick fix. Moving forward on cannabis reform would require navigating a dense administrative maze, especially with simpler political wins on the horizon for the next administration. 

There’s also the elephant in the room: finding a federal regulatory body willing to manage cannabis. The administrative lift is heavy, and with plenty of lower-hanging fruit available, it’s clear why both candidates chose to leave cannabis out of last night’s discussion.

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Debate Skips Weed, Trump And Biden Critiqued

Despite cannabis legalization being notably absent from last night's presidential debate between Trump and Harris, the issue continues to stir controversy on the campaign trail. The Harris campaign has accused Trump of "blatant pandering" for his sudden endorsement of Florida’s cannabis initiative—criticism echoed by Florida GOP leaders dismayed by Trump's pivot. Given this scenario, the Democratic discourse cries out to be pointed out that while Trump faces GOP backlash, President Biden has yet to fulfill his promise to release thousands still imprisoned for federal cannabis convictions.

Will Texas Light Up Weed Reform This Fall?

In Texas, the winds of change are blowing through the pre-election political landscape, carrying a strong scent of cannabis reform. Texans, regardless of party lines, are showing significant support for easing cannabis penalties, according to a recent poll. Even traditionally conservative voters are showing openness to easing penalties—a notable shift as candidates amplify their stances. Meanwhile, Sally Duval, a Democratic candidate for the Texas House, lit up social media with a pro-cannabis ad, advocating for "common sense" cannabis policies while lighting up and hitting a bong. Will Texas finally get its weed wish, or will conservative politics put out the flame?

Stories In The Spotlight:

• Biden Administration Finalizes Rule To Expand Mental Health Care Access: How This Could Impact The Psychedelics Industry

• Beer Leaders Group Praises California Gov.’s Hemp THC Ban

• Massachusetts Cannabis Chief Shannon O'Brien Loses Job After Year-Long Suspension And Costly Legal Fight

• Cannabis Hiring Platform Vangst Predicts 1M Full-Time Marijuana Jobs By 2029, Announces Acquisition Of GreenForce Staffing Agency

• Canadian Pharma Company HYTN Inks Deal To Supply Medical Marijuana To UK, Eyes Germany, And Australia Expansion

• Decibel Reports 400% Dried Flower Market Growth And Expansion To UK, Australia, Israel And Germany

• Incannex Secures $60M Financing To Drive Advances In Psychedelic And Cannabinoid Therapies

Our Writers Today

Nicolás holds a B.A. in International Relations, an M.A. in International Affairs, and an M.Phil in Public Policy. He is a doctoral student in Public and Urban Policy at The New School in New York City. After working for the United Nations in 2014, Nico pivoted his research to studying the relationship between the cannabis industry and economic development.

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Patricio is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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