The hemp wars just went federal. From Rand Paul threatening to keep the government shut down to protect hemp THC, to 39 attorneys general calling for Congress to criminalize hemp products, this week proves prohibition is alive, well, and panicking.

Here’s what we’re covering in this week’s Cannabis Legalization News:

🧱 Story 1 – “Rand Paul Threatens to Keep the Government Closed to Save Hemp THC”
Kentucky’s own Senator Rand Paul is ready to tank the government if Republicans try to sneak hemp-ban language into the next spending bill. As GOP leaders push to redefine hemp to outlaw intoxicating cannabinoids, Paul’s drawing a line in the sand—and he’s not bluffing.

⚖️ Story 2 – “39 Attorneys General Urge Congress to Criminalize Hemp-Derived THC”
A bipartisan swarm of 39 state attorneys general sent Congress a letter demanding hemp’s definition be rewritten to ban intoxicating hemp products nationwide. They call it “protecting the public.” We call it the biggest state-level overreach since Reefer Madness.

🧪 Story 3 – “Stiiizy Pulls Its Products From Catalyst – California’s Cannabis Titans Go to War”
California’s biggest cannabis feud just broke out. Stiiizy accuses Catalyst of ripping off its vape pods; Catalyst’s Elliot Lewis fires back with memes, mockery, and his own “clean weed” line. Behind the shade is a billion-dollar battle over pesticides, branding, and who really runs the Golden State market.

💼 Interview – “Challenge IRC 280E – with Justin Botillier, CEO of Calyx CPA”
Section 280E has robbed the cannabis industry for decades, taxing legal businesses like criminals. Justin Botillier joins us to explain how upcoming federal rescheduling—and a new court challenge—could finally end 280E. If you’re tired of handing your profits to the IRS, you need this conversation.
👉 Register for Justin’s webinar here: Challenging 280E: Rescheduling, Claiming Deductions, and Securing Refunds

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00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:43 Government Shutdown and Hemp Policy
01:06 Daylight Savings and Rand Paul’s Controversy
01:33 Hemp vs. Marijuana Legalization
02:31 Industrial Hemp and Legal Loopholes
03:28 Federal Regulations and Legal Challenges
05:23 Cannabis Business Challenges
10:48 Judicial and Political Influences
13:44 Cannabis Dispensary Business Plans
18:56 Tax Code and Legal Arguments
32:23 Government Shutdown and Cannabis
32:41 Hemp and Cannabis: A Personal Perspective
34:16 Tax Implications for Cannabis Businesses
35:42 Legal Challenges and Court Cases
36:38 Federal Rescheduling and Industry Impact
41:36 Tax Strategies and Compliance
45:45 MJ Biz Conference and Industry Networking
49:08 Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook
59:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts