Cannabis Lobbying Firm Crestwood Strategies Sees Client Exit in Q4 LDA Termination

The U.S. Cannabis Roundtable has terminated its lobbying contract with Crestwood Strategies, marking a significant shift in the organization's government relations strategy during a critical period of cannabis policy evolution.

Why It Matters

The LDA Termination represents a notable change for both the client and lobbying firm. Crestwood Strategies earned $160,000 from the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable in 2025, accounting for approximately 80% of its disclosed lobbying revenue for the year.

The termination comes at a pivotal moment for cannabis policy advocacy, with ongoing legislative efforts to reform banking and drug scheduling. While the financial impact appears substantial, the firm maintains multiple other clients in related policy spaces.

Financial Context

  • Total 2025 Client Revenue: $160,000
  • Percentage of Firm's Known Revenue: Estimated 80%
  • Termination Quarter: Q4 2025
  • Lobbyist Involved: David A. Culver

Broader Legislative Landscape

The client's exit coincides with several critical developments in cannabis policy. The Senate Banking Committee's December 16, 2025 hearing on banking access specifically highlighted challenges facing cannabis businesses, underscoring the continued relevance of the Roundtable's advocacy work.

Key Legislative Efforts

  1. SAFE Banking Act Evolution

    • Passed Senate Banking Committee with 14-9 vote
    • Bipartisan support for cannabis banking protections
    • Ongoing momentum for federal policy reform
  2. Rescheduling Discussions

    • Active conversations about moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III
    • Continued pressure for comprehensive federal policy changes

Lobbying Disclosure Insights

The lobbying transparency provided through this LDA Termination reveals important details about the client's government relations strategy. Crestwood Strategies had been representing the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable across multiple issue areas, including:

  • Banking and financial access
  • Drug policy reform
  • Agricultural policy implications
  • Broader legislative advocacy for cannabis business interests

Ongoing Representation

While Crestwood Strategies' engagement has ended, the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable continues to maintain lobbying relationships with other firms, including:

  • Liaison Group LLC
  • Holland & Knight LLP

Bottom Line

The termination signals continued complexity in cannabis industry advocacy. Despite the client's exit from Crestwood Strategies, the fundamental policy objectives remain unchanged. The U.S. Cannabis Roundtable continues to push for federal-level cannabis policy reform through multiple lobbying channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Lobbying contract terminated in Q4 2025
  • Ongoing momentum for cannabis policy reform
  • Multiple firms continue representing client's interests
  • Legislative efforts remain active and complex

The cannabis lobbying landscape continues to evolve, with government transparency and legislative reporting providing critical insights into these strategic shifts.