Big Updates:
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The federal hemp-THC crackdown passed this month. As part of a larger spending bill, regulations now ban most intoxicating hemp-derived products — including many that walked the line under past rules. This means certain products that were legal under hemp loopholes are now federal contraband starting in November 2026. Cannabis Business Times+1
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Meanwhile, the broader federal rescheduling debate remains stalled. The review process for re-classifying cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act is still lingering, with no final rule yet. Moritz College of Law+1
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On the state level, despite federal confusion, many states continue to push forward. As of mid-2025, 40 states and three territories allow medical cannabis; 24 states + DC permit adult-use/regulated cannabis. NCSL
What This Means for the Hustle:
For retailers, brands, and entrepreneurs, the hemp-THC ban shakes up compliant product strategy — especially for beverages, edibles, and anything derived from hemp. What passed as legal can quickly become liability.
At the same time, uncertainty at the federal level means businesses should double down on compliance, proper licensing, and state-legal operations — don’t count on reform to save you.
Bottom line: Stay aware, stay compliant, and consider diversification — cannabis flower, legal state-regulated products, and low-THC/non-intoxicating hemp — until the dust settles.