Higher Exchanges
Higher Exchanges is the number one independent cannabis investing show. Hosted by Jesse Redmond and Morgan Paxhia, the show features candid conversations with top CEOs, operators, and capital allocators shaping the future of cannabis. We break down complex cannabis markets into clear insights you can actually use.
Higher Exchanges is powered by Flowhub and features original intro music by Chris Otchy.
Higher Exchanges
Cannabis Rescheduling: A Tailwind for the Cannabis 2.0 M&A Cycle
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Higher Exchanges is presented by Flowhub.
Following the federal Executive Order to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, the cannabis industry may be entering the early stages of a new M&A cycle.
In this episode of Higher Exchanges, Jesse Redmond and Morgan Paxhia are joined by Dai Trong, Managing Director at Arlington Capital Partners, to discuss how rescheduling could accelerate consolidation, unlock capital, and reshape strategic behavior across the sector.
After years of contraction, oversupply, margin pressure, and 280E tax burdens, cannabis M&A is beginning to re-emerge—starting with distressed and opportunistic deals by better-capitalized operators.
We cover:
- What Schedule III changes most for cannabis M&A
- Where we are in the current consolidation cycle
- Why some operators are moving now while others remain cautious
- Recent real-world deal activity across California and beyond
- What still needs to happen for larger strategics and capital to re-engage
Finally, we close with Dai offering M&A tips to both operators and investors!
