The Week In Cannabis: Trump's DEA Pick, Tyson's Reform Push, Dutch Coffee Shop Crisis And More

This week in cannabis was relatively subdued, with the most significant news stemming from Washington, D.C. The Trump administration appointed a controversial new acting DEA administrator, Derek S. Maltz, raising concerns over the future of cannabis rescheduling efforts. Meanwhile, updates from global markets in Germany, Uruguay and the Netherlands highlighted ongoing industry challenges and progress.

Here's a recap of this week's notable developments.

Politics

New DEA Leadership Sparks Cannabis Industry Concerns

The Trump administration appointed Derek S. Maltz as the acting administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A 28-year veteran of the agency, Maltz is known for his hardline stance on cannabis and drug policy. Maltz has criticized cannabis legalization, citing its alleged links to public safety concerns, and accused the Department of Justice of politicizing the cannabis rescheduling process.

"President Trump is off to a fast start as the 47th POTUS with border security and the horrible implications of cartels and drug trafficking in America as an area of major importance, so we are not surprised by the recent appointment of Derek Maltz as the Acting Administrator of the US DEA,” said Morgan Paxhia, co-founder and Managing Partner of Poseidon, a burgeoning cannabis investment fund. “President Trump has been getting smart on legal cannabis, sees the economic benefits and is pro MAGA and DOGE. We think it is better to focus less on any appointee's dated/biased views on cannabis and more so on POTUS as the primary input for potential legislative reform and as it pertains to the scheduling of cannabis."

This leadership change occurs amid significant delays in the DEA’s hearings on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Critics fear the Trump administration may abandon the process entirely, which could set back cannabis reform efforts.

Markets

Ispire Technology Announces $10 Million Stock Buyback

In response to market volatility, Ispire Technology ISPR unveiled a $10 million stock buyback program to boost shareholder confidence. The company reaffirmed its commitment to long-term growth despite challenges in the broader cannabis market.

Earnings Reports On The Horizon

Cannabis giants are gearing up to report financial results, offering insights into the industry's trajectory:

Aurora Cannabis ACB will release Q3 2025 earnings on February 5, followed by a call at 8:00 a.m. ET.
Canopy Growth CGC will publish its Q3 2025 results on February 7, with a webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Green Thumb Industries GTBIF will report Q4 and FY2024 results on February 26, accompanied by a call at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Global Updates

Uruguay's Cannabis Market Sees Record Sales

Uruguay's regulated cannabis market hit new highs in 2024, with over 102,000 registered buyers and annual revenues of $30 million. The introduction of high-THC variants like Épsilon (20% THC) drove demand, with pharmacies selling 359 kilograms in just two months after its launch. The country continues to reduce illegal market activity, now capturing 50% of what was once unregulated sales.

Aurora Cannabis Launches First German-Cultivated Product

Aurora debuted its first German-cultivated medical cannabis product, IndiMed, marking a milestone for Europe's largest medical cannabis market. The launch highlights Aurora's commitment to premium, pharmaceutical-grade products, positioning the company as a leader in navigating complex European regulations.

Contaminated Cannabis Found In Dutch Coffee Shops

A study by the Trimbos Institute revealed alarming levels of contaminants in cannabis sold in Dutch coffee shops. Out of 50 samples tested, one-fifth showed microbiological contamination, and one-third contained pesticide residues. Notably, some samples had lead levels nearly six times the permissible limit under forthcoming regulations for a government-licensed trial.

The trial, set to launch in April, aims to improve quality control and curb illegal activity by introducing state-regulated cannabis supply chains. These findings underscore the urgent need for tighter oversight and regulations to ensure consumer safety in one of the world's oldest legal cannabis markets.

Celebrity Advocacy: Tyson and Angelos Applaud Trump's Reforms

Mike Tyson and Weldon Angelos commended President Trump for his commitment to cannabis reforms, including rescheduling efforts, banking access and clemency for non-violent cannabis offenders. Tyson called the cannabis industry a "multi-billion-dollar market" that fosters economic growth, while Angelos criticized the Biden administration's lackluster efforts on clemency for marijuana-related convictions.