Episode 217 - April 2026 Special

Episode 217 is the 8th episode of Season 4.

We’re back with the April Special featuring Jeremy Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer at Quality Roots as co-host. This month we dig into federal policy shifts, state level dynamics and the broader forces shaping cannabis in 2026. Quick note, we had some connection issues during this recording so the episode is cut a bit short. Appreciate your patience with it.

We start with the biggest headline of the month, the year and maybe the decade, the federal government moving medical cannabis to Schedule III. While it marks the first time cannabis is officially recognized as having medical use, it also opens the door to new regulatory oversight and raises questions about where the industry goes from here. From there we touch on Missouri’s crackdown on intoxicating hemp, Virginia’s continued delays in launching retail sales and Indiana’s massive cannabis demand despite full prohibition.

We also look at the growing pressure around taxes and market structure, as well as the environmental conversation gaining traction across the industry, from energy intensive indoor cultivation to water use and sustainability concerns for a little Earth Day inspired perspective on the industry.

Before we lost connection, we also began discussing recent developments in psychedelics, including the FDA fast tracking multiple therapies for depression and PTSD and new research exploring how psychedelic experiences affect the body beyond the brain. While the conversation was cut short, the direction is clear, increased medical focus, faster regulatory movement and growing interest in how these substances may reshape mental health treatment.

You can catch the audio as always on iTunes, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, or at apt113.com.

Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn and visit Quality Roots if you’re in Michigan or New Jersey, find the closest location to you at getqualityroots.com

Sit down, roll one up, and enjoy the ride.