Uncertainty Loomed As Global Cannabis Professionals Converged for Weed Week..In a September post on his social media network, Truth Social, Trump voiced support for some level of cannabis reform, although he said he believes the issue is more appropriately handled at the state, rather than federal, level.
By Sue Dehnam
December 12, 2024
LAS VEGAS â Thousands of cannabis industry members from around the world flocked to Nevada the first week of December for MJBizCon, the Emjays awards show, and accompanying events and afterparties colloquially known as Weed Week.
At the same time, across the country in Arlington, Virginia, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began a preliminary hearing to determine whether cannabis should be moved to a less-restrictive schedule under the Controlled Substances Act. The industry has awaited news on that front for sixteen months, since the Department of Health and Human Services recommended rescheduling in August 2023.
An air of uncertainty around rescheduling, concerns about significant potential changes to the 2024 Farm Bill, and disappointment about state-level ballot measures dimmed the mood for many, but hope remained in conference sessions, meeting rooms, and exhibition halls.
With more than two decades of experience in cannabis and a personality larger than life, Michael âBigMikeâ Straumietis, founder and chief executive officer at Advanced Nutrients, is a towering mainstay on the MJBizCon show floor. He sees a solid path to success for the industry under President-elect Donald Trumpâs second term, after a few challenging months in the near term.
ââ[I think] 2025 is going to be a tough year,â said Straumietis. â[I think] 2026 and 2027 are going to be a lot better. I believe weâre going to start seeing the needle move for legalization with Trump on board.â
In a September post on his social media network, Truth Social, Trump voiced support for some level of cannabis reform, although he said he believes the issue is more appropriately handled at the state, rather than federal, level.
Veteran cannabis journalist Rachelle Gordon remarked on a shift she perceived in the atmosphere.
âWhile there is a lot of uncertainty ahead, MJBiz 2024 made me hopeful,â she said. âThere is an emphasis on collaboration moving forward, which is something Iâve wanted to see for some time. We are stronger as an industry when we join forces, and the prevalent scarcity mindset is simply unsustainable.â
The show has changed too, she noted, as evidenced by the addition of seed sales to the show floor.
âEngaging with growers and breeders is an element that was missing in MJBizConâs past and a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with an integral part of the supply chain they may not have previously,â she said. âSome of the breeders said it was their first MJBizCon ever, and I truly hope we see more farmers come out next year.â
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