#086 - Cannabis Business News Roundup: DEA gets a new head, Organigram acquires Collective Projects, SBA loans for hemp & more!

Ben and AnnaRae explore the latest cannabis market developments across multiple states and at the federal level, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. They dissect New York's comprehensive market report showing local brands outperforming multi-state operators while California cannabis businesses organize against impending tax increases.• Ben shares insights from Atlantic City's MJ Unpacked conference where New Jersey operators display optimism while cautious veterans observe from experience• AnnaRae visits Coastal Sun Farm, a certified organic cannabis and blueberry farm embracing traditional agricultural techniques and environmental stewardship • Federal developments include DEA nominee Terrence Cole stating cannabis rescheduling would be "one of his first priorities" despite previous anti-marijuana stance• New York's cannabis market shows improvement with 513 brands operating and top five NY-based companies capturing 21% of sales• California cannabis businesses rally against excise tax increase from 15% to 19%, with Los Angeles dispensaries reportedly considering a tax boycott• Canadian company Organigram acquires beverage brand Collective Projects, highlighting international opportunities unavailable to US companies• SBA confirms hemp businesses remain eligible for federal loans while marijuana businesses are excluded regardless of state legalityJoin NCIA lobby days in Washington DC on May 13-15 to engage with lawmakers and help shape cannabis policy.Have a question for us? Send us a text. We may answer it in the next show!--High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspiritspod.com and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.