The federal government is easing alcohol consumption guidance while cannabis remains federally illegal and medical marijuana patients continue losing access. In Episode 125 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the growing hypocrisy in federal drug policy and what it means for patients, public health, and the future of legalization.

This episode covers the Trump administration backing away from alcohol limits while marijuana stays criminalized, even as more Americans turn to cannabis for health and wellness. We also dive into a real world medical cannabis crisis in Illinois, where a family risks losing access to seizure preventing cannabis patches that transformed their daughter’s life.

Aaron and Dave discuss interstate commerce barriers, proprietary cannabis products, and how current laws continue to fail medical patients. The conversation highlights Ashley’s Law, supply shortages, and why access to consistent medication matters.

Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner takes a deep dive into epilepsy and cannabis science, including CBD, THC, CBG, seizure regulation, and how the endocannabinoid system helps manage neurological conditions. If you or someone you love deals with seizures or chronic conditions, this episode delivers practical insight and education.

Topics discussed:

Federal alcohol policy changes

Cannabis remaining federally illegal

Medical marijuana access failures

Illinois patient supply shortages

Ashley’s Law and seizure patch access

Cannabis and epilepsy science

CBD dosing and cannabinoid education

Listen, subscribe, and share The Elevated News Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Your support helps amplify patient voices and real cannabis education.

──────────────

Support the show and our partners

🌱 BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order!

🌿 The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off!

👕 https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store - grab a tee before they’re gone!

🐦 Two Dope Dudes on X → https://x.com/twodopedudes

www.supportdopepeople.com

Michigan just imposed a new 24 percent wholesale cannabis tax and the industry is already reacting. We break down what this tax actually means, who really pays it, and why the panic outside Michigan does not match the reality on the ground.

Illinois regulators are celebrating a so called “transformative year” in their FY2025 cannabis report. We dig into the IDFPR and IDPH numbers to see what actually changed, what stayed the same, and where the data does not support the narrative being pushed.

Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner returns with an honest and necessary conversation about suppositories, medical cannabis, and why method of ingestion matters far more than most people want to admit.

This episode covers Midwest cannabis news, medical cannabis data, state level power plays, and real world market impacts you will not hear anywhere else.

If you care about cannabis legalization, medical access, taxes, and where this industry is heading in 2026, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for weekly cannabis news and long-form conversations.

Share this episode with someone who still thinks cannabis policy is simple.

Stay elevated.

––––––––––––––––––

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:58 Welcome back and post-break recap

00:03:36 A small Amish break

00:09:43 BuildASoil affiliate plugs

00:11:27 YouTube comments and community shoutouts

00:21:20 Michigan cannabis businesses react to the 24 percent wholesale tax

00:33:23 Illinois IDFPR highlights its FY2025 cannabis report

00:40:06 Breaking down the Illinois Department of Public Health cannabis numbers

00:54:20 Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner on suppositories

01:01:22 Square peg, round hole

01:03:27 Outro

––––––––––––––––––

LISTEN AND CONNECT

Listen to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Watch the full video version and subscribe on YouTube for weekly cannabis news and live discussions.

Follow us on X for updates and clips:

https://x.com/twodopedudes

––––––––––––––––––

SUPPORT THE SHOW AND OUR PARTNERS

🌱 BuildASoil

https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5 percent off your order

🌿 The Green Gro

https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5 percent off

👕 Support Dope People Merch

https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store

🐦 Two Dope Dudes on X

https://x.com/twodopedudes

––––––––––––––––––

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What cannabis story do you think is being ignored right now?

Let us know and help guide what we cover next.

www.supportdopepeople.com

The cannabis industry is under pressure heading into 2026 🌱

In episode 123 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the mounting regulatory, economic, and political pressure reshaping cannabis and hemp across the United States.

This episode focuses on the growing strain between access and control. States are tightening hemp rules, reworking cannabis frameworks, and in some cases openly questioning adult use markets. What started as legalization is evolving into layered regulation, taxation, and enforcement that is squeezing operators, consumers, and patients alike.

We cover state level developments including Wisconsin’s hemp safety initiative, Michigan’s hemp licensing overhaul, Hawaii’s hemp expansion efforts, and active repeal conversations in Massachusetts and Arizona. We also examine Virginia’s slow path toward legal sales, changes in Ohio, and what Rhode Island and Delaware signal for 2026.

Beyond the headlines, this conversation digs into the real pressure points inside the industry. THC based taxation. Product recalls and recycling systems. Medical versus adult use policy. Access versus restriction. And why standardization often benefits regulators more than consumers.

We also discuss how rescheduling, hemp reclassification, and federal inaction are leaving states to make aggressive moves that may redefine cannabis markets before 2026 even begins.

This episode is for anyone trying to understand where cannabis policy is actually heading and who feels the pressure building from every direction.

🔗 Support the Movement

🌱 BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order!

🌿 The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off!

👕 https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store — grab a tee before they’re gone!

💥 Stay Connected

Follow Two Dope Dudes on X for breaking cannabis news and live reactions.

https://twitter.com/TwoDopeDudes

Support independent cannabis media and Support dope people

🎧 Listen to The Elevated News Podcast on all major audio platforms

📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly cannabis news and analysis

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TwoDopeDudes

Join the conversation in the comments.

Where is the industry being squeezed the hardest right now?

What pressure are you feeling as a consumer, patient, or operator?

Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Industry pressure heading into 2026

05:10 Hemp regulation tightening across states

12:30 State level policy shifts explained

22:00 Adult use repeal conversations

31:45 Taxes, recalls, and market strain

42:10 Medical vs adult use tension

55:30 Federal rescheduling and hemp uncertainty

1:07:00 What pressure means for 2026

www.supportdopepeople.com

Cannabis rescheduling is finally moving forward, but what does it actually mean for patients, homegrowers, and the industry?

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the federal executive order to reschedule marijuana, what Schedule 3 really changes, and why Illinois regulators are quietly expanding enforcement powers at the same time. From dispensary distance rules to warrantless seizures, this episode is packed with facts, context, and real talk you are not hearing anywhere else.

We also cover reactions from major Illinois cannabis executives, explain the legal consequences of rescheduling, and dig into why this could take years instead of months. Plus, Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner helps you prepare for New Year’s resolutions using cannabinoids the smart way.

If you care about cannabis policy, homegrow rights, medical access, or the future of legalization, this is a must watch.

Watch, comment, and share so this information reaches more people. 🔥🌱

Subscribe for weekly Midwest cannabis news, policy breakdowns, and industry insight.

🔗 Support the Movement

🌱 BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order!

🌿 The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off!

👕 https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store — grab a tee before they’re gone!

💥 Stay Connected

Follow Two Dope Dudes on X for breaking cannabis news and live reactions.

https://twitter.com/TwoDopeDudes

Support independent cannabis media and Support dope people

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:58 - Merry Christmas!

00:03:28 - Affiliate codes and plugs

00:04:42 - Youtube comments

00:12:33 - IDFPR proposes amendment for dispensary location restrictions

00:20:57 - IDOR can conduct arrests and seizure without a warrant???????

00:24:07 - Illinois Executives react to Rescheduling EO

00:33:24 - What to know about the EO to reschedule Marijuana

00:42:37 - When is Marijuana officially rescheduled?

00:47:16 - "Legal Consequences or Rescheduling Marijuana" Legal sidebar

01:01:54 - Daves Conditional Cannabis Corner- Keeping your New Years Resolution

01:06:03 - Closing thoughts and MERRY CHRISTMAS

01:08:10 - Outro

www.supportdopepeople.com

The cannabis hype cycle is back and this time it is rescheduling. In Episode 121 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down what cannabis rescheduling actually means, why it is not the silver bullet many think it is, and what really matters for patients, operators, and consumers.

We cover major Illinois cannabis updates, a key U.S. Supreme Court decision rejecting a marijuana industry challenge, and major medical marijuana expansion news from Alabama and the South. Plus, Dave dives deep into cannabis as a neuroprotectant and why cannabinoids matter for brain health, TBIs, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and more.

If you care about cannabis policy, medical marijuana science, and real talk without hype, this episode is for you.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms.

––––––––––––––––––

ARTICLES AND SOURCES DISCUSSED

IDFPR solicits feedback for Administrative Cannabis Rules

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/idfpr-solicits-feedback-for-administrative-cannabis-rules/

Division of Cannabis Regulation updates video permit form

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/division-of-cannabis-regulation-updates-video-permit-form/

Alabama officials approve medical marijuana dispensary licenses

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/alabama-officials-approve-medical-marijuana-dispensary-licenses-readying-program-for-sales-to-start-in-2026/

U.S. Supreme Court rejects marijuana companies’ challenge

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-supreme-court-rejects-marijuana-companies-case-challenging-federal-prohibition/

––––––––––––––––––

🔗 Support the Movement

🌱 BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order!

🌿 The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off!

👕 https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store — grab a tee before they’re gone!

🎧 Listen on Audio

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon | All Platforms

💥 Stay Connected

Follow Two Dope Dudes on X for breaking cannabis news and live reactions.

 https://twitter.com/TwoDopeDudes

Support independent cannabis media and Support dope people

––––––––––––––––––

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What do you think about cannabis rescheduling?

Do you believe Schedule 3 will actually help patients and small operators?

Should Illinois cannabis rules change and how?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, like the video, and share this episode with someone who needs real cannabis news not hype 🌱🔥

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:58 - We're the Two Dope Dudes

00:04:59 - Plugs and affiliate codes

00:07:31 - Responding to your youtube comments

00:13:29 - IDFPR solicits feedback for Administrative Cannabis Rules - Illinois News Joint

00:23:18 - Division of Cannabis Regulation updates Video Permit Form - Illinois News Joint

00:32:13 - Alabama Officials Approve Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses, Readying Program For Sales To Start In 2026

00:45:12 - U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Marijuana Companies’ Case Challenging Federal Prohibition

00:50:02 - Why Rescheduling isn't what you think

00:57:13 - Dave's Conditional Cannabis Corner - Using cannabis as a neuroprotectant

01:10:05 - Don't feel guilty to feel good.

01:15:02 - Outro

www.supportdopepeople.com

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, your source for Midwest cannabis news, culture, and community. In this episode we cover a packed week of headlines and take a deep dive into the growing mental health crisis in America.

Chicago considers an early ban on hemp products months before the federal deadline. PharmaCann and 4Front default on rent again and face possible eviction. The Illinois Department of Public Health proposes new medical cannabis conditions. Texas expands its Compassionate Use Program. We also talk Thanksgiving, disc golf, freeze dryers, solar panels, and read your YouTube comments.

Dave brings a powerful installment of Conditional Cannabis Corner, breaking down how overstimulation, social media, and modern pressures are shaping mental health and why cannabis may play a stabilizing role.

If you enjoy the show, share it with a friend and leave a rating. It helps us reach more listeners.

Episode Links

Chicago grocery store parking lot drug sales investigation

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-grocery-store-parking-lot-drug-sales

PharmaCann and 4Front default on rent

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/iip-declares-pharmacann-and-4front-in-default-for-nonpayment-of-rent

IDPH medical cannabis amendments

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/idph-proposes-amendments-for-medical-cannabis-patients

Proposed Chicago hemp ordinance

https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/12/02/hemp-ban-chicago-thc-beverages-illinois

Texas DPS Compassionate Use Program expansion

https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/dps-update-phase-i-texas-compassionate-use-program-expansion-selection-process

Affiliate Links

BuildASoil

https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5 percent off.

The Green Gro

https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5 percent off.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:58 Welcome back

04:39 Thanksgiving

07:39 How to find us and affiliate codes

13:49 YouTube comments

18:04 Chicago grocery store drug bust

24:48 PharmaCann and 4Front default

28:43 New IDPH medical cannabis amendments

35:21 Chicago hemp ordinance

39:45 Texas Compassionate Use expansion

45:27 Conditional Cannabis Corner

1:06:51 Final thoughts

1:09:40 Outro

Stay Connected

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TwoDopeDudes

Support Dope People: https://supportdopepeople.com

Peace Love and Cope Live Show: Thursdays at 8 PM Central on YouTube

Thank you for being part of this community. Smoke weed every day and stay safe, friends.

www.supportdopepeople.com

The Two Dope Dudes are back with a loaded Thanksgiving week episode packed with Midwest cannabis news, real talk about the industry, and a whole lot of community love. From Ohio’s overnight cannabis and hemp overhaul to Illinois sales falling short for reparations funding, this one digs deep with insight, honesty, and humor. We break down the headlines, read your YouTube comments, talk DJ Short Blueberry genetics, and share our top five ways to survive family time during the holidays.

We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news and culture and more. Tap in, CannaFam.

Episode Highlights

• Ohio lawmakers rush a late night cannabis and hemp rewrite

• Illinois dispensary sales fall behind reparations funding expectations

• Federal bill seeks to reverse new hemp THC restrictions

• DJ Short Blueberry makes a surprising comeback

• The truth behind Black Friday cannabis sales and recycling old inventory

• Your comments from last episode

• Our top five ways to deal with your family this holiday

• A whole lot of laughs, stories, and community love

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:58 - Thanksgiving plans for the two dope dudes

00:04:41 - Canna Fam and Black Friday retail.

00:12:52 - what's the deal with DJ Short's blueberry?

00:16:11 - Plugs and codes to save you $$$

00:19:28 - Youtube comments!

00:26:43 - Ohio lawmakers advance overnight deal on cannabis, hemp law overhaul

00:33:50 - Marijuana sales not keeping up for reparations payments

00:43:35 - New GOP-Led Bill In Congress Would Reverse Hemp THC Ban That Trump Signed Into Law

00:47:12 - As ‘California sober’ catches on, study suggests cannabis use reduces short-term alcohol consumption

00:57:29 - Top 5 ways to deal with your family this holiday!

01:09:04 - Thankful to YOU, our listeners.

01:11:30 - Outro

Support the Show and Save Money

BuildASoil: https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5 percent off

The Green Gro: https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5 percent off

Merch, Socials, and Community

Shop shirts, hats and more: https://supportdopepeople.com/store

Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoDopeDudes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twodopedudes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/support_dope_people

Join Dave every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Central on Peace Love and Cope live streams

Comment and tell us your Thanksgiving plans

Smash the like button if you support Midwest cannabis news

Subscribe so you never miss a new episode

www.supportdopepeople.com

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes - YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news, culture, and more! 🌱🔥

Today’s episode is a heavy hitter: Illinois sales plummet, the feds tighten their grip, hemp faces a nationwide ban, and federal prosecutors are gearing up for a new wave of enforcement. Buckle up, this one matters.

We’re breaking down:

✔️ Illinois cannabis sales dropping 20–30%, even as items sold go up

✔️ The new FEDERAL ban on intoxicating hemp products

✔️ DOJ scrapping Biden-era “don’t prosecute simple possession” guidance

✔️ Federal attorneys calling marijuana a “hazard”

✔️ Why enforcement is coming — and what that means for the Midwest

✔️ How the transition to Biotrack/Metrc exposes real market numbers

✔️ Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner: Cannabis + Aerobic Exercise for Brain Health

We also shout out our community legends, respond to YouTube comments, and show some love to Dr. Danknugz and Macho Grambs (“The Cannabis Bible” author).

Stay informed. Stay elevated. Stay resilient. 🌿✊

🔗 LINKS & SUPPORT

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/twodopedudes

👕 Grab shirts, hats & more: https://supportdopepeople.com/store

💬 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/twodopedudes

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/support_dope_people

📚 The Cannabis Bible – Macho Grambs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZ1NHDFL

🎥 Dr. Danknugz YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@Dr.DankNugz

💰 SAVE MONEY WITH OUR AFFILIATE CODES

BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off

The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:58 Tell me about the intros again, George

00:02:49 Herban Legends winners

00:05:23 Plugs + Discount Codes

00:07:26 Responding to YOUR YouTube Comments

00:10:45 The Cannabis Bible by Macho Grambs

00:10:59 Dr. Danknugz shows love

00:11:50 Illinois sales totals drop significantly

00:24:49 Illinois revisits hemp regulation after federal ban

00:32:29 Feds to prosecute cannabis use on federal land

00:36:37 Trump admin calls marijuana a “hazard”

00:51:57 Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner - Cannabis & Aerobic Fitness

01:04:19 Final Thoughts

01:06:12 Outro

Intro and outro by David Cope and Suno.

www.supportdopepeople.com

The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes

We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news, culture, and more! 🌿

This week, Aaron and Dave brave the early snow to bring you a packed episode full of laughs, insight, and real Midwest cannabis talk. From disc golf drama to Michigan’s latest weed law controversy, the dudes keep it elevated — and keep it real.

They’re also spotlighting The Cannabis Bible by Macho Grams (Support Dope People!), breaking down new federal sentencing reforms, and sharing why cannabis might be one of nature’s most underrated antifungals.

🔥 This Episode Includes:

• Early winter disc golf stories & Midwest vibes ❄️
• Shoutouts to our live chat fam and YouTube supporters
• The Cannabis Bible by Macho Grams → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZ1NHDFL
• Herban Legends Cup 3 — use code SDP10 for 10% off tickets
• Michigan border towns pushing back on weed shops → Read
• CRA wants dispensaries to “report” customers buying over the limit → Read
• Federal sentencing reform on drug convictions → Read
• Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner: Using cannabis as an antifungal & antibacterial agent
• The moral of the story: “Be about it. Don’t talk about it.”

🌱 Support Our Partners

• BuildASoil: https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople
• Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order.
• The Green Gro: https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra
• Use code TwoDopeDudes at checkout for 5% off!
• SupportDopePeople.com — grab a tee before they’re gone 👕

🎧 Listen Everywhere You Stream Podcasts

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all your favorite platforms.

🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TwoDopeDudes

💬 Join the Conversation:

We read and shout out our YouTube comments every week! Drop your thoughts on this episode and let us know what you think about Michigan’s latest cannabis chaos.

✌️ Follow us on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TwoDopeDudes

🎟️ Herban Legends 3 Tickets (Nov 16, Chicago): Use code SDP10 for 10% off

#TwoDopeDudes #ElevatedNews #CannabisCommunity #MidwestCannabis

www.supportdopepeople.com

It’s that time again! The Herban Legends Cup is back for its third year — and we’ve got the founders Danny Gonzalez and Maddie Scanlon in the studio to talk about what’s new for 2025, the judging process, and how they’re building Illinois’ strongest homegrow community.

From legacy roots to lab-tested quality, this is a deep dive into how cannabis competitions are evolving — and why Herban Legends Cup has become the event for growers, judges, and connoisseurs across the Midwest.

Key Links:

Herban Legends Cup - https://www.instagram.com/herbanlegendcup

HiFo Media - https://www.instagram.com/hifomedia

Tickets & Info - https://www.highfocusmedia.com/hlc

🎟️ Use code SDP10 for 10% off tickets!

🌿 Entry deadline: November 13, 2025

📍 Event: November 16, 2025 – Kaiser Tiger, Chicago

Support The Elevated News Podcast:

🔗 LINKS & SUPPORT

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/twodopedudes

👕 Grab shirts, hats & more: https://supportdopepeople.com

💬 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/twodopedudes

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/support_dope_people

💰 SAVE MONEY WITH OUR AFFILIATE CODES

🌱 Build A Soil: https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code "SupportDopePeople" for 5% off your order

🌿 The Green Gro: https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code "TwoDopeDudes" at checkout for 5% off

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twodopedudes

🔗 Watch full episodes + bonus content on our channel

Like, comment, and share this episode — every click helps independent media keep growing.

www.supportdopepeople.com