Casual Conversations #38 Legislative Process
Dr. Jordan Tishler hosts a Casual Conversation podcast with Ethan Pittelman, Joe Iannello, and Peter McAuliffe to explain how the federal government works and review current cannabis policy.
They provide a Congress and appropriations “101,” contrasting authorizing committees with must-pass spending bills and outlining timelines, continuing resolutions, omnibus packages, and other legislative vehicles (appropriations, farm bill, NDAA, health extenders).
Pittelman summarizes federal cannabis developments: President Trump directed DOJ in December 2025 to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III; DOJ issued an initial framework in April, DEA review continues, and litigation is pending.
They discuss why Schedule III matters (280E relief, research, banking comfort, FDA-approved products) and clarify it is not descheduling.
They also highlight CMS’s April 1, 2026 hemp-derived CBD initiative offering beneficiaries up to $500 annually and emphasize clinician outreach to members of Congress.
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