9.17.25 - The Real Power Move Happening in Washington - Part 2
09.17.2025
Part 2: Why the TTB Cannabis Study Could Matter More Than Rescheduling (The Future Rulebook)
Last time, I laid out the news: Congress just handed the TTB a one-year homework assignment on cannabis regulation.
Here’s why that’s not just busy work — it’s potentially the most important development in years.
1. TTB = The Likely National Referee
If cannabis ever becomes federally legal, TTB is the agency that already knows how to run a consumer market with products that cross state lines. This study is a strong signal that Congress is eyeing an “alcohol-style” model.
2. Standardization vs. State Chaos
You’ve been playing by 40+ different sets of rules. Some states track every gram; others leave loopholes you could drive a truck through. A federal review means some of those rules will get copied, others tossed. Standardization could raise the floor — or raise the cost of compliance.
3. The Timing Isn’t Random
The one-year deadline puts the findings smack in the middle of the 2026 election season. Both parties get to spin it: Republicans say they’re being “responsible.” Democrats say they’re fostering state-federal cooperation. Meanwhile, your business becomes the football.
4. Rescheduling ≠ Regulation
Even if DEA rescheduling happens, it won’t tell you how to label your product, how to ship across state lines, or how to advertise. That scaffolding comes from the TTB-style oversight. Ignore this study at your peril.
What You Should Be Doing Now
Audit your operations not just for state compliance, but with an eye toward national standards: labeling, packaging, workplace safety, testing protocols.
Study your state’s strengths and weaknesses. The “good” parts could get copied federally. The “bad” parts could become case studies in what to eliminate.
Position your finances and compliance structures so you’re ready for additional costs or reporting requirements.
Bottom line: prohibition theater may still be playing out for voters, but behind the curtain, the regulators are already cataloging the playbook. What they decide to borrow — or reinvent — will determine whether we land in an organized, nationwide cannabis market… or a messy, disruptive transition.
At TASI® Bank, we’ve been tracking these machinations for over a decade. With our California roots and national reach, we’re ready to help cannabis businesses manage today’s risks and finance tomorrow’s transitions.
Appendix: Verified Congressional Report Language
“And for the skeptics who like their policy straight from the source, I’ve included the exact Congressional language and citations in the appendix below — receipts included.
1. House Report 118-556 (FY 2025 FSGG Appropriations)
“The Committee directs TTB in coordination with the Department, and other agencies, which may have relevant regulatory expertise, to coordinate an assessment of the adequacy of State marijuana regulatory frameworks, including commonalities and novel approaches to enforcement and oversight.”
“The assessment shall include recommendations to improve data sharing and coordination between State and Federal authorities.”
“The Department shall provide a briefing to the Committee on the findings of the assessment within one year of enactment of this Act.”
Source: House Report 118-556, congress.gov
2. House Report 119-236 (FY 2026 FSGG Appropriations)
“The assessment shall include recommendations to improve data sharing and coordination between State and Federal authorities. The Department shall provide a briefing to the Committee on the findings of the assessment within one year of enactment of this Act.”
Source: House Report 119-236, docs.house.gov
3. Committee Summary (Marijuana Moment coverage)
“The Committee notes that over 20 States and territories now permit the use of adult use cannabis, while over 35 States and territories permit the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.”
“The Committee directs the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), alongside other agencies with relevant regulatory expertise, to coordinate an assessment of state marijuana regulatory frameworks and provide a briefing on findings within one year.”
Source: Marijuana Moment, 2025
4. Key Clauses for Quick Reference
TTB is tasked to assess the adequacy of state cannabis regulatory frameworks.
Recommendations must include how to improve state–federal data sharing and coordination.
Briefing deadline: one year from enactment of the appropriations bill.
Congress acknowledges more than 20 states with adult-use laws and over 35 with medical programs.
⚖️ Why it matters: This isn’t speculation — it’s written into the official Congressional record. The TTB’s study mandate is the first step toward building the federal cannabis playbook.
