In Cannabis this week: RFK’s HHS confirms, Trump’s DEA Bombshel, Earnings, Global News, etc. – Chicago Atlantic BDC (NASDAQ: LIEN), ISPIRE Technology (NASDAQ: ISPR)

It’s a whirlwind of marijuana for a week. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmation as Minister of Health and Human Services has made the industry wonder what his new commitment “following the science of cannabis hazards” could mean broader legalization efforts. Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, President Donald Trump Tap Terrance Cole– Longtime supporter of “just say no” – Leading the DEA, sending mixed signals after Trump stepped forward to the campaign promise.

Unexpected twists, Trump’s team also ensures the release of American citizens Marc Fogel From a Russian prison colony, he was imprisoned for possession of medical marijuana. With new appointments, policy shifts and high-profile businesses clashing and combining, the industry has both cautious optimism and new uncertainty, shaping the future of legal marijuana in the United States and beyond.

Politics and Policy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary

The Senate confirmed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously touted legalization of marijuana during his 2023 campaign to address “the drug problem in the United States.” In an interview in November 2023, he suggested legality Weeds can help reduce opioid use.

Now, some cannabis advocates are shocked by his promise to “follow the harm of marijuana.” He also noted that in his new position, he would have a judgment on the DEA’s rescheduling of any rescheduling of jobs. When Kennedy told Senator Pete Ricketts about “preventing marijuana expansion,” Kennedy replied that he would stay true to the evidence-based assessment.

Emily Paxhia of Poseidon Investment Management View Kennedy’s appointment as a sign of shifting public sentiment for health: “RFK is confirmed to show that the U.S. view of ‘health’ is transforming into a less traditional exploratory way of thinking. .”

Jeremy Berke of Plant every day Taking a broader perspective, pointing out how President Donald Trump seems to have remodeled on the campaign, only reducing the legalization of marijuana in the office: “Trump posted a cannabis reform on the campaign, but It used to be quiet, but since then it seems he is not a problem, he wants to pay political capital in his own party, but we can only hope we are wrong.”

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Trump calls champion DEA chief

At the White House, Trump hired 22-year-old DEA veteran Terrance Cole as the agency’s new leader. Cole is known for his strong stance to promote marijuana, which often echoes the slogan of the drug war of the 1980s. His choice is bleak, and he hopes the Biden-era rescheduling push can make a comeback.

Trump announced Cole’s appointment on social media, writing: “We will save lives together and make the United States safe again.” Draft picks sparked a shock wave through the cannabis industry, which is already uncertain whether Trump will maintain or Rolling marijuana reform.

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Trump ensures release of marijuana prisoner Mark Fogel

Trump administration struck a deal with Russian authorities to bring Marc Fogel home after Marc Fogel served in a criminal colony over cannabis charges . According to White House national security adviser Michael Waltz, Trump’s envoy to Trump in the Middle East, went to Moscow to pick up Fogel.

“President Trump, Steve Witkoff, negotiated a exchange with the president’s adviser, which showed the sincere performance of the Russians and we are heading to the right Going forward to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” Fogel’s family thanked the government, calling it “unwavering leadership”, which eventually ended his three-year ordeal.

Learn about this story in full here.

Local Development: Michigan, Delaware and Argentina

Michigan: Governor Gretchen Whitmer A $3 billion investment in road infrastructure is proposed, partly funded by a new wholesale marijuana tax. The plan (which plans MI Road ahead of schedule) is selected from local chambers of commerce, which fears that businesses will have higher tax burdens, while some lawmakers believe the state has collected enough repair costs.

Delaware: Adult use marketing continues in the state under the new regulations on fostering, processing and selling cannabis. Although only 125 licenses will be granted, more than 1,200 applications have been made. Background checks are underway and the qualified licensee will have 18 months to fully operate.

Argentina: Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich Vowed to overhaul the National Cannabis Growth Registry, citing concerns about potential abuse. She plans to reset the entire system, warning “Hecha La Ley, Hecha la Trampa”, or, essentially, there is a law, there is a loophole.

Markets and business

iSpire Technical Post Q2 Results

Ispire Technology Inc. ispr Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was reported at $41.8 million, slightly higher than the $41.7 million a year ago. Gross profit jumped to $7.7 million, up 23.5%, and net loss expanded to $8 million. Co-CEO Michael King Strategy achievements were highlighted, including overseas expansion and “successful PRMTA meetings with the FDA”. CFO Jim McCormick It stressed that the plan was to “reduce operating expenses to the expected $8 million each year” by transferring certain roles to Malaysia.

Chicago Atlantic BDC receives $100 million in credit

Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. liena professional financial company focused primarily on the U.S. cannabis market, closed with a $100 million senior asset margin credit line, led by FDIC Insurance Bank. This additional capital will help provide new loans to marijuana operators. Executive Chairman Scott Gordon Noting that the facility provides “a lot of liquidity” to support the active lending pipeline.

Green check team with lattice

Green checkis the main fintech player in the cannabis banking industry, announced with latticea data network known for its secure digital financial services. The move allows underwriters on green inspection platforms to take advantage of the vast network of grids, thereby improving due diligence for cannabis-related businesses. “Our platform has always been the foundation of financial services in the cannabis industry.” Bob CraigGreen Check Strategic Business Development EVP. He added that the connectivity of the grid could further open up underdebted cannabis businesses for mainstream financial products.

Triple 5 introduces pocket DAB‘

Brand Home Triple 5 Posted it Pocket tapa device for dispensing .1-gram live rosin “every time” to direct administration. inventor Mark Rhodes “We made bags to change the game,” said the focus on the ease of use of connoisseurs and newbies. The device officially debuted at Champs Vegas, which features a stylish design, glass chamber and black ceramic dual-coil system designed to deliver “fresh, precise DAB without chaos”.

Innovation and Science

FDA Green Light Rapid Cannabis Withdrawal Drugs

Newly expensive medicines pleopharma Revealed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted a quick designation PP-01Its research and treatment of cannabis withdrawal syndrome in patients with marijuana use disorder. If approved, PP-01 would be the first drug specifically targeting withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia) without relying on opioids. CEO Ginger Constantine The phase 2B trial of the drug says it is expected to be by reducing the intensity of withdrawal and improving patient outcomes. The next third phase of the agenda.

Cultivation and the environment

Report: Indoor planting consumes more energy than all outdoor agriculture combined

A by Evan Mills UC Berkeley’s Energy and Resources Group found that indoor marijuana cultivation uses more electricity than the entire outdoor farming industry. According to Mills, some cannabis “plant factories” have up to 100 times more energy per square foot than Walmart’s cannabis “plant factories”. reason? Specialized, power-consuming lighting and climate control systems – expanded by states that require intra-state production. Despite the rapid expansion of the cannabis industry, policy makers are just beginning to work on addressing their carbon footprint.

Global Development

Australian medical cannabis market is rising

The new ban Partner report highlights how Australia’s medical cannabis market is soon surpassing some of Europe’s largest markets. The country’s domestic production rose 6.7% in 2023 to 26.6 metric tons, although imports (especially from Canada) still dominated, reaching 42.1 metric tons in the same year. Local producers worry about lower-cost Canadian cannabis at lower prices. The political momentum for legalizing adult use remains an open question: The Greens introduced a bill in 2023, but it has been pushed by lawmakers on the grounds of health risks.

Tilray continues to expand in Germany

Tilray Medicala department Tilray Brands, Inc. Tlrylaunched an expanded medical marijuana extract in Germany, highlighting the balanced ratio of THC to CBD to meet the needs of patients. The new product range includes higher features 1:1 formulas and smaller trial size products. Denise FaltischekChief Strategy Officer and International Head said Tilray’s efforts to “unwaveringly focus on innovation and education” emphasized Germany’s continued emphasis as the core European market.

event

Women’s Development Leadership Summit 2025

Schedule to be held at Gaylord National Resort, Maryland from February 17-18 Women’s Growth Summit promises to dig deep into everything from business growth to policy advocacy. Brittney Grinerthree-time Olympic gold medalist, headlines, with the theme of empowering women, and NFL idol Ritchie Williams A cannabis advocacy fundraiser will be held. Founder Dr. Chanda Macias Think of the summit as a career fair and a platform for serious deals for emerging entrepreneurs: “We will shape the future of marijuana and empower women around the world.”

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