Jack Daniel’s Blames Pot for Declining Booze Sales, GOP Voices On Cannabis And Psychedelics Reform, Tariffs Hit Weed Industry

In today's issue:

• 🍷 Weed vs. Whiskey

• 💸 Market Moves & Tariff Trouble

• 🇺🇸 Politics & Policy

• 🌿 State & Local News

• 😌 Wellness Corner

📉 Cannabis Is Cramping Alcohol’s Style, Says Jack Daniel’s Boss

Lawson Whiting, CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BF.B), the parent of Jack Daniel’s, says cannabis is straight-up throwing shade on booze sales. On the company’s earnings call Thursday, Whiting admitted that marijuana legalization is “putting pressure” on the alcohol biz — alongside weight-loss drugs and younger generations choosing other ways to chill. Brown-Forman reported a 5% decline in net sales, and Whiting didn’t hold back: “We’ve been saying that for a year and a half now.”

Translation? The bar scene might be losing regulars to the dispensary.

🚨 Tariffs Are Jacking Up Weed Costs — Here's Why

Even though your weed’s grown locally, your rolling papers, vape gear, and flashy packaging might be riding in on the tariff train. Trump-era tariffs on goods from China and disrupted trade with Canada are spiking prices on everything from grow lights to glass bongs to the plastic in your vape pens. Small cannabis businesses are especially feeling the heat — or, in this case, the cost.

Some companies are pivoting to Malaysia or Indonesia for supplies, but the 10–20% markup is real — and those costs? Yeah, they’re headed straight to your tab.

🧑‍⚕️ GOP Rep Says Medical Marijuana Helped Her Aunt

At a recent Iowa town hall, Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) opened up about how medical marijuana eased her aunt’s cancer symptoms. While she voiced concern about “free-for-alls” in weed laws, she made clear that a “robust” medical cannabis program matters. And yes, this bipartisan cannabis convo went down between a Republican lawmaker and a Democratic voter — civilly. There’s hope yet, folks.

💀 Toxic Weed from Illegal Grow Ops in Maine

Illegal grow houses backed by Chinese interests in Maine are under federal investigation — and what’s being found isn’t pretty. We’re talking mold that maxed out lab equipment, arsenic, banned pesticides, and more. According to Senator Susan Collins, more than 270 illegal grows have brought in up to $4.3 billion in illicit revenue.

Collins is pushing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel to prioritize enforcement — and include funding in President Trump’s upcoming budget.

🧠 Dan Crenshaw: Psychedelics Could Be Game-Changer

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) is fired up to push for more psychedelics research — and says he’s “excited” to work with a “friendlier” Trump administration to do it. He’s aiming to double funding for Department of Defense clinical trials into psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine, citing promising therapeutic effects for veterans.

🥊 Mike Tyson Enters the Ring — In Hartford

The Goods THC, a woman- and minority-owned company in Connecticut, is teaming up with Mike Tyson to launch a knockout grow facility in Hartford’s Upper Albany neighborhood. The 32,000-square-foot space will produce Tyson’s brand Tyson 2.0 and Cookies, with the first launch expected in late July or early August.

🛑 Albuquerque Cracks Down on Hemp Loophole

Thanks to a Target 7 investigation, Albuquerque has finally closed the loophole that allowed hemp-derived THC products — like Delta-8 and THCA — to be sold unregulated to minors. The city council just passed an ordinance to restrict the sale of these intoxicating products within city limits.

Pat Davis, former cannabis council chair, said it best: “Everybody calls it a loophole, and that’s really what it is.”

🧘 CBD May Actually Help With Stress

A 2023 clinical trial showed that daily CBD (100 mg) helped reduce stress symptoms like tension and irritability over 60 days. CBD supports your endocannabinoid system (think: the body’s stress thermostat) and may help regulate mood, reduce inflammation, and enhance your chill without the high.

Inflammation = stress. CBD = a chance at peace (and maybe better sleep).

That’s it for today, friends. Thanks for sharing the week with us. See you back here on Monday. Have a safe, happy and fun weekend.

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