From Nixon’s Cannabis Confession to the NCAA’s Policy Shift: A Game-Changing Week for Cannabis
From Nixon’s Cannabis Confession to the NCAA’s Policy Shift: A Game-Changing Week for Cannabis
This week's issue includes: Kurtis Hanna's history redefining discovery, Judge Judy’s MN cannabis courtroom drama, and local ordinances galore
The Pre-Roll curates the most important cannabis news and developments at the intersection of policy, politics, and industry development. With over 1,500 subscribers, the Pre-Roll is Minnesota’s premier source for cannabis-related information and intelligence.
The Pre-Roll is written by Blunt Strategies, Minnesota’s first and only full-service strategic consultancy cultivated exclusively for the cannabis industry.
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Announcements
MN Cann Political Action launched its website last week. The PAC is currently surveying candidates for House of Representatives and candidates for the special election for Senate District 45. A formal release and a first round of endorsements are coming soon.
Top 5 Must Reads
Tricky Dick was busted by one of Blunt Strategies’ own, Kurtis Hanna. On Sunday, Kurtis made front page of the New York Times with a discovery of former that sheds new light on President Nixon’s stance on cannabis. While Nixon publicly spearheaded the War on Drugs and placed marijuana in the most restrictive category of illegal substances, Hanna uncovered a startling admission in a newly released set of Oval Office recordings. In these tapes, Nixon acknowledged that marijuana was “not particularly dangerous,” contradicting his public rhetoric. This discovery provides crucial context to the political motivations behind the War on Drugs, with historians noting that Nixon’s drug policies were more about political strategy than personal beliefs. The revelation also adds weight to the growing movement to reexamine federal cannabis laws, particularly as the country continues to grapple with the long-term impact of these policies.
Want to know what Kurtis has to say about his bombshell discovery? Check out Kurtis’ commentary in the premium section below where he dives deeper into Nixon’s secret admission, what it means for the future of cannabis reform, and how it might just be the key to unlocking federal legalization.
Alcoholic drink makers have a serious case of FOMO and local cannabis journalist Rachelle Gordon at Green State explains why. A recent survey by Bloomberg Intelligence shows that more Americans are choosing cannabis over alcohol, with nearly half of respondents reporting they substitute cannabis for alcohol at least once a week, and 22% doing so multiple times a week. This shift in consumer behavior is expected to grow as more states legalize adult-use cannabis, creating a significant challenge for the alcohol industry. Companies are already seeing the impact, with cannabis becoming a formidable competitor to alcoholic beverages. Some alcohol companies have adapted by creating THC-infused drinks, especially in markets like Texas and Minnesota, where regulations allow craft beer makers to produce cannabis beverages. From the article:
Some alcohol companies are taking the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach, opting to create zero-proof bevs infused with cannabis compounds. THC-infused drinks are especially popular in markets like Texas and Minnesota, where regulations allow craft beer makers to produce cannabis beverages in-house.”
This trend, supported by a growing number of Americans who believe cannabis is safer than alcohol, is likely to continue as health-conscious consumers seek out alternatives.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board recently canceled a planned use-of-force training session after discovering that the instructor, former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter, had fatally shot Daunte Wright in 2021. The training, titled “Remorse to Redemption: Lessons Learned,” was intended to teach enforcement officers—who regulate liquor, cannabis, and tobacco businesses—about the consequences of using force and how to avoid similar incidents. Potter, who served 16 months in prison for second-degree manslaughter after mistaking her gun for a taser, was to lead the session. The board canceled the training out of respect for Wright’s family, but the decision drew mixed reactions. Some argued that the training could have offered valuable lessons for law enforcement, while others, including Wright’s mother, condemned the idea of Potter profiting from the tragedy. Given the board’s responsibility for enforcing cannabis regulations, the decision to cancel reflects its sensitivity to public perception in an industry where trust and appropriate oversight are essential.
This one is a must watch: Two Minnesota cannabis business owners appear in front of infamous Judge Judy for a dispute over some ice cream equipment and unreturned inventory. The case was recently aired on Season 3 Episode 80 (“Marijuana Meltdown”) of Judy Justice.
Inside Scoop: Plaintiff Kyle Bishop indicates he doesn’t want his equipment back because Minnesota no longer allows cannabis infused ice cream thanks to a lobbying group that Judge Judy cuts him off right before he names. While we’re sad Mr. Bishop didn’t make the MN is Ready brand Judge Judy famous, MN is Ready was certainly not the “culprit” for the ban. The prohibition on cannabis-infused ice cream is due to an additional layer of strict federal regulations that the addition of any substances specifically to dairy, meat, and poultry products which, unlike other food products, are regulated not just by the FDA but also the USDA under a bevy of dairy, meat, and poultry specific laws including the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), and Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA).
While the FDA is responsible for determining the safety of substances in food, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) applies an additional layer of oversight for meat, poultry, and dairy products. Because THC and other cannabinoids are not approved by the FDA as food additives, their inclusion in USDA-regulated products like dairy and meat renders them “adulterated” under federal law. This makes it illegal to produce or sell cannabis-infused dairy products like ice cream, even in states that have legalized cannabis. In contrast, non-dairy and non-meat foods are only regulated by the FDA, and states have more flexibility to allow cannabinoids in those products, as seen with edibles and beverages in Minnesota. We rest our case.The NCAA has made a significant change to its drug testing policies by removing cannabinoids from its banned substances list for Division I football championship and postseason play. Attorneys from Troutman Pepper explain this decision follows a recommendation from the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, which argued that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and should be regulated similarly to alcohol at the school level. The policy shift reflects broader societal trends toward cannabis legalization and decriminalization, with 24 states now allowing adult-use cannabis. For student-athletes, this move could reduce the legal and personal risks associated with cannabis use, offering a more supportive environment. However, universities must still navigate a complex landscape of state and federal laws, which may pose legal challenges.
Upcoming Events
Canna Club Happy Hour hosted by Earl Giles Distillery. Every Wednesday, 5-9 PM in Minneapolis.
CannaJoyMN’s One Year Anniversary Celebration. September 21, 11-3 PM in Minneapolis.
The Great Midwest Hemp Fest. September 28-29 in Madison, WI.
The Cannabis Buzz in Minnesota Commercial Real Estate hosted by MN Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW). October 9, 11-1:15 PM in Minneapolis. (Continuing Real Estate Education Credit has been applied for and 1 hour is pending approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.)
Cannabis Banking Webinar hosted by the Minnesota Credit Union Network. October 17, 1-2:30 PM.
The premium content that follows is available exclusively to our paid subscribers. This week’s premium content includes:
Kurtis Hanna’s personal take on Nixon’s secret cannabis tapes and their implications for federal legalization
Local government updates on new cannabis regulations and zoning laws
Federal news on the evolving role of the FDA and DEA in cannabis regulation
and more.
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