E166 - Headset Wrapped 2024 and Looking Ahead to Next Year

In this year-end edition of The High-Rise, Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) revisit their 2024 cannabis industry predictions to see where they hit the mark and where reality diverged from their forecasts. They delve into the growth (and growing pains) of key state markets—highlighting Ohio’s adult-use ramp-up, New York’s steady climb in retail availability, and the stalled progress in Florida and Pennsylvania. They also discuss the swirling uncertainties around hemp-derived THC products, as states implement—or contemplate—stringent regulations to keep these products out of unregulated channels and away from children.

Cy and Emily reflect on the year’s challenges, including the ongoing push for federal reform that has yet to materialize, and look ahead to 2025. Will next year bring long-awaited legislative clarity, or will states continue to forge their own unique paths in managing adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products? Tune in to hear their insights, data-backed analysis, and predictions for what the next chapter of cannabis legalization might hold.

Topics Covered:

• 2024 Prediction Recap: Reviewing last year’s forecasts for Ohio’s adult-use sales, Florida’s ballot efforts, and Pennsylvania’s stalled legalization push.
• Progress in Key Markets:
  • Ohio: Adult-use launch and near-$100M monthly sales targets.
  • New York: Steady increase in licensed cannabis retail and brand growth amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.
• Hemp-Derived THC Products: Exploring how intoxicating hemp sales exploded in 2024 and the ensuing state-by-state crackdowns on unregulated sales, with particular attention to recent actions in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Illinois.
• State-Level Regulations vs. Federal Stasis: States forging ahead with their own rules to protect consumers, while federal reforms remain elusive.
• Looking to 2025: Predictions on potential movement from the new administration, the Supreme Court case, and what evolving hemp regulation frameworks might mean for the broader cannabis industry.

If you’re looking for a clear-eyed, data-driven year-end wrap-up and a practical preview of the cannabis industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights. Cy and Emily’s grounded perspectives will help investors, operators, and stakeholders navigate the uncertainty and identify trends to watch in 2025.

Show Notes:
- Headset Vapor Pen Data (Bringing the Receipts)

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