TWICL (Feb 20, 2026) - Farm Bill Drafts, German M&A, and the "Social" Retail Revolution

The 2026 Farm Bill draft is finally on the table, and while the "hemp loophole" remains untouched for now, the industry is already looking toward a post-cliff future. As big tobacco backs Canadian giants in Europe and stadiums open their doors to THC, the landscape of cannabis distribution is shifting under our feet.In this week's edition of This Week in Cannabis Live (TWICL), hosts Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke of Cultivated are joined by Ben Larson (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) to break down the latest legislative and market movements. From Organigram’s massive €250M move into Germany to the potential for THC beverages to hit New York liquor stores, the panel explores whether the industry is finally moving toward a "layered" regulatory reality.What You’ll Learn:The Farm Bill First Look: Why the initial draft’s silence on hemp-derived THC is both a relief and a warning for operators.The "Canadian Advantage" 2.0: How federal coherence and tobacco backing (BAT) are allowing Canadian LPs to dominate the European medical market.Stadium Status: The significance of the United Center's 3-year THC beverage deal and what it means for consumer discovery.Retail Convergence: A deep dive into the New York bill that could pit liquor stores against dispensaries—and why brands are cheering for it.Risk vs. Revenue: A debate on whether regional distributors will keep moving products if the "hemp cliff" recriminalizes certain cannabinoids.Meet the Panel:This episode features a powerhouse of cannabis experts led by Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke, the editorial voices behind Cultivated. They are joined by Ben Larson, host of High Spirits and seasoned venture catalyst, and Marc Hauser, the legal mind behind Cannabis Musings, to provide a 360-degree view of the industry's most complex hurdles.Why Tune In?Whether you are an MSO executive or a hemp beverage startup, the rules of distribution are being rewritten this month. This episode provides the strategic foresight needed to understand how federal policy, international M&A, and state-level retail shifts will impact your bottom line in 2026.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.