Joe Salome, co-founder of The Georgia Hemp Company and Simple Leaf Wellness, and former CMO of Halcyon Organics, is a respected figure in medical cannabis policy, instrumental in the passage of Georgia’s landmark Haleigh's Hope Act (2014) and the 2019 Georgia’s Hope Act.

The discussion centers on Salome's personal advocacy, which was ignited after witnessing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in treating his mother's ovarian cancer, fueling his mission to champion natural alternatives. His legislative work was pivotal in incrementally legalizing low-THC oil access and establishing in-state production and distribution in Georgia.

Key topics addressed include the ongoing struggles with federal regulatory clarity regarding hemp, the threat posed by potential bans on hemp extract products to small businesses and the legal market, and the critical need for federal reclassification of cannabis. 

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This week we explore the dual impact of cannabis legalisation and rescheduling—focusing on both the massive financial implications for the industry and emerging scientific research on health benefits.

The $2 Billion Tax Windfall The program leads with a deep dive into the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Experts estimate that rescheduling could result in a $2.3 billion tax break, allowing businesses to finally show healthy profit margins, attract traditional investors, and move away from high-risk private capital.

Cannabis as a Tool in the Opioid Crisis The discussion then shifts to a significant study from the Boston University School of Public Health. Research indicates that in states where adult-use cannabis is legal, daily opioid use among people who inject drugs fell by 9 to 11 percentage points.

Brain Benefits for Older Adults Finally, the episode highlights surprising new research from the University of Colorado regarding cannabis use in adults over 40. Contrary to long-standing stereotypes of cognitive decline, the study of over 26,000 participants found that moderate cannabis use—often for sleep or chronic pain—was associated with larger brain volumes in certain regions and better cognitive function (including improved processing speed and attention).

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After a much-needed hiatus following eight years of consistent broadcasting, Blunt Business has returned in 2026 by reaffirming the show's commitment to raw, unfiltered industry commentary.

This "re-launch" episode marks a strategic shift as the program absorbs its companion series, Grassroots Marketing, to create a single, centralized home for long-form interviews and expert insights.

The discussion quickly moves to the critical news shaping the year, specifically analyzing the slow and uncertain process of rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III following an executive order by President Trump.

From the looming federal hemp ban extension to the cultural surge of THC-infused beverages during "High January," showcases how the industry is pivoting toward mainstream acceptance while still grappling with a dire need for better medical research and physician education

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Blunt Business discusses the evolving landscape of cannabis banking, where Kevin Hart (CEO of Green Check Verified) explained that financial institutions are increasingly engaging with the sector, driven by data transparency, robust compliance standards, and the realization that there is no codified rule preventing them from doing so.

Hart details that Green Check Verified facilitates banking by providing compliance data to financial institutions, enabling services beyond deposit accounts, and anticipated that the potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule 3 will unlock traditional banking services, reduce capital costs, and attract major players from other industries.

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Thomas Winstanley from Edibles.com is back to discuss the critical issue of federally recriminalizing hemp-derived THC products like Delta 8 THC via the congressional spending bill, despite the industry being legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Winstanley emphasized the dire economic consequences for farmers, noting that recriminalization would wipe out a $6.6 billion industry, and argued for a six-month extension to the November 2026 deadline to prevent farmers from harvesting useless crops.

As a political concession to preserve the category, he suggested a focus on codifying the market with a 5-milligram per serving limit for hemp edibles. 

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In what is being hailed as a "watershed moment" for the cannabis industry, President Trump has officially signed an executive order to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act.

This historic shift, which follows a bipartisan initiation process started by the Biden administration, formally recognizes the plant's medical benefits for the first time in over 50 years.

Beyond rescheduling, the order explores directing Medicare to cover CBD products and encourages Congress to pass the Safer Banking Act to grant legal businesses access to traditional financial institutions.

Industry experts anticipate the move will eliminate the heavy federal tax burdens of IRS Code 280E, spark a surge in clinical research, and skyrocket institutional investment. While the President emphasized that this is not full federal legalization, the order opens the door for future clemency for non-violent offenders and marks a significant step toward ending the stigma of prohibition.

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Attorney Joshua Bauchner is back to talk about the potential reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, spurred by reports of an impending executive order from President Trump.

While the move is seen as a beneficial step for research, both speakers and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Normal) prefer full declassification, expressing concern that reclassification could stall further reform for decades.

They also detailed the expected regulatory complexities of a Schedule III move, including the possibility of prescription requirements for dispensaries, as well as the ongoing challenge of creating accurate workplace and roadside impairment tests. 

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Ryan Hurley, founder of Litix Legal, discusses the "full swing market correction" in the Arizona cannabis industry, stressing the critical need for lean, compliant operations for survival.

He introduced Litix Legal's model of "killing the billable hour" through flat, subscription-based rates, making legal services more accessible and predictable for businesses burdened by costs like Section 280E.

Hurley cautioned that exploiting the intoxicating hemp loophole threatens voter trust and the industry's future. He expressed cautious optimism about federal Schedule III reclassification as a positive step.

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Blunt Business speaks with Joel Latham, CEO of Incannex Healthcare (NASDAQ: IXHL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the use of proprietary combination medicines.

Latham breaks down their strategy of fusing synthetic cannabinoids and well-characterized active drug components to target chronic conditions with significant unmet needs, emphasizing a robust intellectual property position and synergistic drug action.

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Blunt Business welcomes back Paul Weaver, Director and Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, to Blunt Business to discuss the expansion of their Emerald Hour cannabis line, which now includes cocktail-inspired THC gummies made with live rosin, launching in Ontario and Alberta following last year's beverage debut.

Paul explained the company’s bifurcated cannabis strategy, focusing on Teapot for mainstream consumers and Emerald Hour for experienced users, capitalizing on the gummy category's larger market size compared to beverages.

We also covered the market validation of cannabis beverages, the high-growth demographics of younger consumers and women driving sales, and the importance of national regulation—rather than prohibition—for a sustainable industry amidst challenges from groups like the Beer Institute.

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