TWICL (9/4/26) - Hemp Gets a One-Month Lifeline, M&A Power Plays & Michigan’s Tax Reality

The cannabis and hemp industries are navigating a pivotal crossroads where federal timelines, policy battles, and high-stakes corporate maneuvering collide.In this episode of This Week in Cannabis Live, host Jay Rosenthal (Cultivated), Ben Larson (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) unpack a week packed with major regulatory and commercial shifts. The crew breaks down what the short-term CR extension means for hemp operators, how MSO strategies are evolving around public M&A, and the harsh lessons coming out of state-level tax policy.What You’ll Learn:The Federal Hemp Lifeline: What the 30-day CR extension actually means for hemp beverages and operators, and why the real policy battle lies in the upcoming December funding deadline.Capital, M&A & Optionality: Insights from Verano’s leadership on footprint reinvestment, share repurchases, and why preserving optionality remains the ultimate survival strategy while waiting for federal clarity.Curaleaf vs. Aurora Takeover Drama: A front-row look at the rare, public hostile takeover attempt playing out in real-time—and what it signals for the future of cannabis consolidation.The Diminishing Returns of High Taxes: Why Michigan’s tax hike to 24% severely missed revenue projections, offering a stark reminder to state legislators about tax elasticity.Why Tune In:Navigating federal regulatory uncertainty while managing capital requires real-time insights from industry experts who understand both policy mechanics and balance sheets. Tune in to get a clear breakdown of where the market is moving, how operators are positioning themselves for the end of the year, and what these legislative delays mean for your business strategy heading into Q4.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.