President Trump's executive order to ease federal restrictions on marijuana is expected to provide immediate benefits for cannabis businesses, but the changes will not be universal. While the rescheduling of marijuana as a lower-risk drug is promoted as a catalyst for cannabis research, experts caution that the process is more complex than it appears.
The executive order, issued in December 2025, sets in motion a process to reclassify marijuana under federal law. However, it does not automatically nullify existing laws targeting marijuana, including those that prohibit transporting it across state lines. This means that while cannabis businesses may experience some immediate relief, significant legal hurdles remain.
Gillian Schauer, executive director of the nonpartisan Cannabis Regulators Association, which includes agencies from 46 states, emphasized the need for realistic expectations. "It's hard to see the big headlines of, 'Marijuana rescheduled to Schedule III; marijuana research will open,'" Schauer said. "You know, those things are not true as of now."
The rescheduling process, while initiated by the executive order, requires further regulatory action. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must propose and finalize a rule to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This process typically involves a period of public comment and can take months or even years to complete.
The potential benefits of rescheduling include tax advantages for cannabis businesses, as they would no longer be subject to Section 280E of the tax code, which prohibits businesses that traffic in Schedule I or II substances from deducting ordinary business expenses. Rescheduling could also make it easier for researchers to study the potential medical benefits of cannabis.
However, experts caution that rescheduling alone will not solve all the challenges facing the cannabis industry. Federal prohibition continues to create obstacles for businesses, including limited access to banking services and difficulties in interstate commerce.
The future of marijuana policy in the United States remains uncertain. While the executive order represents a significant step toward federal reform, further legislative action may be necessary to fully resolve the conflict between federal and state laws. The ongoing debate over marijuana legalization is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
The latest episode of "Landman" Season 2 features unexpected and explicit content, including a full-frontal scene with Billy Bob Thornton, sparking discussion about the show's creative direction. Despite the shocking moments, the episode concludes with a romantic proposal, leaving viewers with mixed reactions and raising questions about the narrative's overall impact.
Timothée Chalamet solidifies his position as a leading box office draw, particularly during the Christmas season, with his latest film "Marty Supreme" earning $27 million. Following the success of "Wonka" and the Bob Dylan biopic, this trend underscores Chalamet's broad appeal across genres, a phenomenon recognized globally within the film industry and anticipated to continue with future releases like "Dune: Part III."
Variety is digging deep into its 120-year-old archives, unearthing a treasure trove of vintage movie ads that offer a fascinating peek into Hollywood's evolution. From forgotten flicks to iconic blockbusters like "Star Wars" and "Chinatown," these ads showcase how films were marketed to audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of cinema.
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic star of films like "And God Created Woman" and "Contempt," wasn't just a sex symbol; she shattered norms and redefined feminine identity on screen! Her raw sensuality and unapologetic spirit captivated audiences, leaving an undeniable mark on cinema and forever changing our perception of women in film.
Vernon Morris, a pioneer in atmospheric sciences, established the first PhD program at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), significantly increasing the number of Black and Latinx PhD graduates in the field. His work on airborne particle processes enhances weather and climate models, improving forecasting accuracy and addressing underrepresentation in STEM. This initiative serves as a model for fostering diversity and inclusion in scientific workplaces.
A correction has been issued for a Nature article concerning the derivation of human pluripotent stem cells resembling an eight-cell embryo. The correction clarifies the ethical oversight and review processes for animal studies, specifically human-mouse chimera and human blastoid experiments, ensuring adherence to both local guidelines and international regulations like the ISSCR guidelines. This update addresses potential concerns regarding the ethical implications of integrating human stem cells into animal models.
The Nature Podcast's 2025 highlights include a potato pangenome project, leveraging advanced sequencing to unlock genetic diversity for breeding, and a quantum physics conference held on Heligoland island, the birthplace of quantum mechanics. Additionally, the podcast featured research on a micro-robot for liquid manipulation and the discovery of ancient Mesoamerican puppets.
A new study reveals that while weight loss improves metabolism in mid-aged mice, it can induce inflammation in brain regions linked to appetite and energy balance, potentially impacting cognitive health. This research highlights the complex relationship between weight loss and brain health in midlife, suggesting that the benefits of slimming down may not be as straightforward as once believed.
Move over, Sheldon and Leonard! Real-world physicists are turning science fiction into fact, proposing that fusion reactors could be axion factories, potentially unlocking the secrets of dark matter and sending ripples of excitement through the scientific community and beyond. This breakthrough, reminiscent of a plotline from "The Big Bang Theory," is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of cutting-edge science and pop culture appeal.
Lab-grown "mini-brains" are revealing distinct electrical signatures of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, offering a new avenue for precision psychiatry. By identifying unique neural activity patterns, this research promises more accurate diagnoses and personalized drug testing, potentially revolutionizing mental health treatment. This development highlights the growing potential of AI-driven diagnostics in understanding complex neurological conditions.
Researchers have discovered that mid-sized fish in the ocean's twilight zone, like the bigscale pomfret, act as a crucial link in the food web, explaining why large predators frequent these depths. By using satellite tags to track these elusive fish, scientists are gaining insights into how their movements, influenced by water clarity, impact the entire ocean ecosystem, potentially reshaping our understanding of marine food chains.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became an international symbol of liberated sexuality in the mid-20th century, has died at 91. Beyond her film career, Bardot influenced global fashion and culture, and later dedicated her life to animal rights advocacy, leaving a complex legacy in both the entertainment world and animal welfare movements.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment