#264 – Cannabis, Congress, and Competition: A Conversation with Stacy McCaskill

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by hemp farmer and congressional candidate Stacy McCaskill for a wide-ranging conversation about cannabis policy, the hemp industry, and the challenges of entering politics as an independent voice. They discuss the ongoing debate between hemp and marijuana markets, why many small operators see the 2018 Farm Bill as their only on-ramp into the cannabis industry, and the tension between large licensed operators and emerging hemp businesses. The conversation also explores the realities of running for Congress, including ballot access rules, the influence of entrenched political power, and the role independent candidates can play in disrupting the current system. Along the way, they examine regulation, market competition, and the broader question of whether current cannabis policies truly serve consumers, farmers, and small entrepreneurs. Read full show notes or watch video version here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/12/e264/