This is the Way: The Cannabis & Hemp Industry must change its losing political strategy

Good evening, everyone. My name is Eric Foster, co-founder of the Future Today and Tomorrow Super PAC. I am here to address the Changemaker Initiative, which is critical due to the current challenges faced by the cannabis and hemp industries.Current Threats to the Cannabis and Hemp IndustriesBoth the cannabis and hemp sectors are under significant pressure, and the strategies currently employed are likely to fail. At the state level, efforts to roll back adult use legalization are underway in several places. In Massachusetts and Maine, MAGA-aligned individuals—not the state governments—are driving ballot initiatives aimed at reversing legalization. Similar actions are taking place in Nebraska, where despite overwhelming voter support for medical marijuana, the process is being undermined by MAGA officials through lawsuits, restrictive regulations, and manipulation of the governing board.Misguided State-Level InitiativesSeveral states are allocating substantial resources to initiatives that are unlikely to succeed. In Florida, for example, Trulieve and its allies are attempting another ballot initiative for adult use marijuana, despite spending $150 million in 2023 and 2024 on previous failed efforts. The focus remains on ballot initiatives instead of addressing the composition of the state legislature, redistricting, and other structural challenges. Idaho is pursuing a medical cannabis initiative with little chance of success, diverting money from more effective long-term strategies like electing pro-cannabis lawmakers. In Oregon, efforts are underway to create social lounges or cannabis cafes, but resources would be better spent building support within the legislature. Oklahoma also faces repeated failed initiatives, with $20 million spent previously without success. Missouri’s hemp sector is looking to amend the state constitution, but similar structural issues remain, including congressional redistricting that favors anti-cannabis representatives.The Need for Strategic ChangeThese setbacks are reminiscent of the Detroit Lions hiring Matt Millen, a decision that led to years of failure. Similarly, the cannabis and hemp industries must move away from ineffective leadership and strategies. Despite some past successes, the industries are now losing ground. The recent excitement over Donald Trump’s CBD-supporting video is misplaced, as there is little genuine support from him or similar figures for these industries.Action Steps for the Changemaker InitiativeThe path forward requires building political power and changing the regulatory environment. The Changemaker Initiative provides the framework for this transformation. Contributions and collaboration are essential to activate this strategy, particularly for upcoming elections and legislative sessions in key states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan. Growing majorities, protecting turf, and striving for championship-level success should be the goals.The cannabis and hemp industries are at a crossroads. Change is possible by shifting focus to electing allies, engaging consumers, and adopting adaptive, winning strategies. The Changemaker Initiative is the vehicle for this progress. For more information or to get involved, visit www.futurepac.today/changemaker or contact me at [email protected] or [email protected], we can change lawmakers, improve our regulatory environment, and secure a stronger future.Eric FosterCo-founder, Future Today and Tomorrow Super PACCo-founder, Changemaker InitiativeCall to action: Visit 💙 https://secure.actblue.com/donate/change-maker-initiative1 or 🌐 https://www.futurepac.today/donate/ and contribute to help us reach the Pro-Cannabis, Pro-Hemp voting majority community in advance of the 2026 and 2027 off-off year elections. Change the Lawmakers, Change the Regulatory Environment and Change your Future, The Changemaker Initiative This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ericfoster52.substack.com/subscribe