The BeLeaf Buzz: January 2026
Originally sent to subscribers in January 2026. View the original email.
Welcome to The BeLeaf Buzz
Welcome to the seventeenth issue of The BeLeaf Buzz, presented by BeLeaf Medical — your monthly source for cannabis industry insights, local stories, and company highlights. Stay connected as we present upcoming events, introduce our team, and share curated news relevant to our business.
As we begin 2026, thank you for being part of our growing community. We look forward to sharing continued updates and progress in the year ahead.
Buzz-Worthy BeLeaf News
December 17, 2025 — SWADE Cannabis Opens “The Church on Delmar,” a Cannabis Friendly Event Space
Located above SWADE’s Delmar dispensary, the new venue invites guests to host private and corporate gatherings featuring curated cannabis menus and experiences. Read More →
January 1, 2026 — SWADE Cannabis Launches In-Store “Scratchers” Promotion
This month, SWADE introduced a limited-time promotion designed to drive in-store engagement and incremental traffic during the early-year period. Customers will receive a free scratcher with a minimum $20 purchase through the end of January, or until supplies last. Every card is guaranteed to win and one grand prize is awarded per location. Some prizes include lighters, rolling papers, SWADE Smokes, and SINSE products.
SINSE Cannabis Strain Spotlight
Durban Wedding
Durban Wedding is the perfect sativa-hybrid strain for lifting your spirits and enhancing creativity. A cross between Durban Poison and unknown sativa hybrid strain, this strain delivers an energizing experience that sparks social interactions and mental clarity. It’s ideal for daytime use, brightening your mood and alleviating anxiety for a delightful and uplifting experience.
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Ocimene, Limonene, Myrcene
THC: 20.75% | Terpenes: 2.33%
Industry News
January 9, 2026 — Missouri Marijuana Sales Exceed $1.5B in 2025
Missouri sales finished 2025 on a strong note in December, capping another record-setting year for the state’s legal market. Read More →
December 18, 2025 — Federal Executive Order Recognizes Cannabis as Medicine, Initiates Rescheduling to Schedule III
In December 2025, a historic federal executive order was issued directing the DOJ to expedite the process of reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act—a significant development in federal drug policy that may influence research, tax treatment and regulatory frameworks for the industry. Read More →
November 15, 2025 — The Missouri Cannabis Landscape: A Conversation with Andrew Mullins
In Episode 46 of the Greenway Audio Magazine, Executive Director of MoCann Trade, Andrew Mullins, discusses the evolution of Missouri’s cannabis market, highlighting early industry collaboration, regulatory progress, and ongoing advocacy efforts shaping the state’s resilient and nationally distinct cannabis ecosystem. Listen below →
More Stories:
- Marijuana industry leaders respond to federal rescheduling announcement
- Three trends affecting the U.S. cannabis industry in 2026
Leadership Announcement: Welcoming Our New Chief Financial Officer
Scott Thompson — Chief Financial Officer
While our monthly feature typically highlights members of the BeLeaf team, this month we’re pleased to share an important leadership update. In 2026, BeLeaf welcomed Scott Thompson as Chief Financial Officer, further strengthening our executive leadership as the company continues to scale. As CFO, Scott brings deep expertise in finance, strategy, and operational leadership across global agribusiness, manufacturing, and trading organizations. He began his career at Bunge, a publicly traded global agribusiness company, where he advanced through roles in audit, accounting, finance, and investment analysis, ultimately leading financial planning for a $7 billion revenue business unit and participating in major joint ventures and ERP implementations. Scott then joined Gavilon (later acquired by Viterra and Bunge), serving as Senior Director of Finance and Head of Strategy, where he oversaw FP&A, global trade operations, and international controlling, led M&A evaluations and integrations, and drove ERP modernization. Most recently, Scott has served as Financial Controller for Agtegra, a $3 billion cooperative, where he led corporate controlling, FP&A, corporate development, insurance, and internal audit.
Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lindenwood University and a master’s in business administration from The University of Missouri – Columbia.
Scott’s favorite quote: “What we perceive as luck is more usually the harvest of discipline and tenacity.”
Cannabis 101
Federal Cannabis Rescheduling: What Happens Next
Following an executive order issued by Donald Trump on December 18, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi has been directed to complete the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While the directive is significant, several formal steps must occur before the change takes effect.
Key steps in the rescheduling process:
- DOJ issues a Final Rule — The Department of Justice (via the DEA) formally updates federal regulations to reclassify cannabis. This is the legal action that makes rescheduling official.
- Publication in the Federal Register — The Final Rule is published, triggering an effective date (typically 30-60 days after publication).
- Potential legal challenges — Lawsuits are expected, but they do not automatically delay rescheduling. A court would need to issue a stay, which is considered unlikely given prior scientific review.
Immediate impacts once Schedule III takes effect:
- Elimination of IRS 280E, allowing standard business deductions
- Expanded access to cannabis research
- A softer federal regulatory and enforcement posture (without legalization)
What does not change:
- Cannabis remains federally illegal
- Interstate commerce still prohibited
- Banking reform is not automatic
- States retain control over their own markets
Fun Fact: If finalized on the expected timeline, cannabis could enter Schedule III as early as spring 2026, marking the first change to its federal classification in more than 50 years and signaling a meaningful shift in the regulatory landscape.
Upcoming Events
- Jan 14: SWADE Best Buds Party at Fox and Pearl in KC
For investor inquiries or assistance, please email IR@beleafco.com.