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About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

420 with CNW — The Supreme Court Could Advance Marijuana Reform Amid Trump’s Inaction

The future of federal cannabis policy is once again in uncertainty as the Trump administration sends mixed signals on marijuana reform. On one hand, Trump has voiced support for medical marijuana and hinted that he may consider reclassifying it.

On the other hand, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively working to defend cannabis prohibition in court while also trying to restrict gun rights for cannabis users.

Since Congress has repeatedly failed to move forward on marijuana reform, advocates are now turning their hopes toward the courts and the executive.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear two cases that could reshape marijuana law. The first, USA v. Hemani, involves a Texas man challenging the government’s ban on marijuana users owning firearms. The second, Canna Provisions v. Bondi, questions a 2005 ruling that upheld federal cannabis prohibition and could open a path for reform without waiting on Congress.

This comes as Trump recently signaled interest in reclassifying cannabis as a less harmful substance. However, predicting his approach is difficult given his conflicting decisions, including appointing an anti-marijuana DEA chief and embracing a strict law-and-order stance.

Despite backing medical marijuana on the campaign trail and voting in Florida, Trump has since given the issue little attention, leaving speculation to fill the gaps.

The ruling on the Hemani case could force the administration to state its position more clearly. However, legal scholars note that rescheduling cannabis may not resolve most concerns. If cannabis moves to Schedule III, it would still require FDA approval and a prescription, meaning recreational users would remain in violation of federal law and could still lose gun rights.

Meanwhile, the second case is moving toward the Supreme Court. Multistate cannabis company Verano Holdings, along with other businesses, filed a lawsuit claiming that cannabis’ federal prohibition is unconstitutional.

Their case was rejected by a federal appeals court earlier this year, but their legal team, led by high-profile attorney David Boies, is preparing to petition the Supreme Court. Their goal is to get the court to reconsider the CSA for the first time since 2005.

Observers caution that litigation should not be read as a clear policy direction. They say that DOJ lawyers are obligated to defend existing laws even as federal agencies weigh new policies, such as rescheduling.

The outcome of these cases could force the government to address the distinction between recreational and medical cannabis. Trump himself has suggested that medical use deserves more consideration, while recreational use raises broader concerns.

Marijuana firms across the board, including companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), will be following these issues before the Supreme Court to see how the outcomes could impact the trajectory of the industry in the U.S.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Home Values Appreciate Faster in States Having Legal Adult-Use Marijuana Markets

Legalizing recreational cannabis is proving to be an economic advantage for states that have adopted it, according to a recent Clever Offers study. The research links marijuana legalization to rising property values and billions of dollars in additional tax income, showing a clear advantage over states that continue to prohibit it.

Between 2009 and 2024, property values in recreational states rose by an average of $222,598, rising from $224,677 to $447,635 according to the study. In contrast, states that continue to prohibit recreational marijuana experienced smaller increases, with prices rising from $158,273 to $320,904, a gain of $162,631. That leaves a gap of more than $60,000 in favor of states with recreational marijuana.

For instance, when Colorado legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, the typical home was valued at a little above $231,000. That figure had climbed to over $568,000 as of 2024, a 146% jump.

While higher prices have made buying harder, sellers and local governments have seen huge benefits, especially with billions in added tax money. Colorado has since become one of the most attractive places to live in the U.S.

Medical-only states also show stronger housing markets than states where cannabis is still banned entirely. Between 2009 and 2024, property values in medical states rose by nearly $195,000, while in states without legalization the increase was closer to $173,000. The difference suggests that even limited legalization can bring economic advantages.

In addition to higher home prices, cannabis sales are filling state budgets. States that taxed cannabis sales collected a combined $4 billion in 2024, with California leading the way by bringing in $1 billion.

Since beginning legal sales, Washington has collected $3.7 billion, Colorado has earned $2.9 billion, and California has pulled in $6.7 billion since its tax system launched in 2018. Medical marijuana taxes, while less widespread, also provide a boost. For example, Oklahoma collected $51 million in 2023 from taxing medical cannabis, and Louisiana brought in $2 million from its program.

Supporters argue the evidence should put to rest claims that cannabis markets harm communities. Instead, legalization appears to support stronger housing markets, safer regulated sales, and tax revenue that can be redirected into public services like infrastructure, education, and safety programs.

As states search for new ways to strengthen budgets and stimulate growth, cannabis legalization—especially for recreational use—continues to prove itself as both a financial opportunity and a community benefit.

The data suggests that states experiencing dwindling tax revenue from licensed firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) need to look at the bigger picture of where else related revenue is coming from other than just focusing on the direct tax revenue from marijuana operations.

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420 with CNW — A Deeper Look into Ohio’s First Year of Recreational Cannabis Sales

In 2023, voters in Ohio approved the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and above. But while residents supported the measure at the ballot box, lawmakers have spent months debating if and how the law should be changed.

For some people, cannabis is a business opportunity or a hobby, while others view it as medicine, a problem, or even a public health concern.

Recreational sales officially launched on August 6, 2024. At the time, 98 dispensaries were authorized to serve both medical patients and recreational buyers. That number has since grown to 162 locations across the state.

According to the state’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), more than 100,000 pounds of cannabis flower have been sold since August 2024. Medical cannabis sales, however, have declined, with many patients choosing to skip the hassle of renewing medical cards now that cannabis is widely available.

Total sales in the past year have reached $1 billion, with 70% of this coming from recreational sales. While the numbers look strong on the surface, the figure lags behind what other states are seeing.

Pennsylvania, which only allows medical sales and has roughly the same population as Ohio, has consistently averaged $1.5 billion annually from its program, outpacing Ohio’s combined sales by over 30%. Missouri, with only half of Ohio’s population, brought in approximately $1.5 billion during its first year of recreational sales.

Ohio dispensary operators say competition is hurting them, with shops selling delta-8 THC, which is still unregulated, continuing to draw customers. Michigan also presents a challenge, as cannabis across the border is consistently cheaper than what Ohio retailers can offer.

In the political arena, lawmakers have debated multiple proposals, including limiting home cultivation and penalizing passengers who use cannabis in cars. The state’s main hemp and cannabis bill has stalled, though legislators plan to revisit it later in the year.

Meanwhile, social equity program funding—designed to give small businesses and disadvantaged communities a fairer shot at entering the market—was cut from the state budget.

At the same time, cities with dispensaries have yet to receive the tax revenue they are owed.

Ultimately, the future of Ohio’s marijuana industry depends largely on how policymakers address these challenges. Whether the market can keep growing will be shaped not just by consumer demand, but also by the rules that state leaders choose to implement.

The marijuana industry around the country and beyond, including businesses like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), will be watching how the authorities in Ohio address the issues that could impact the success of the legal marijuana industry in the state.

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420 with CNW — ATA Asks DOT to Act as Marijuana Rescheduling Regains Focus

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to clarify how a pending federal plan to reclassify cannabis would affect drug testing for commercial drivers.

ATA’s COO, Dan Horvath, noted in a recent letter to the Transportation Secretary that the association is worried that reclassification could weaken the safeguards and testing requirements designed to protect safety-sensitive transportation workers. He added that while the ATA does not take a formal stance on cannabis legalization, it is committed to collaborating with the DOT and other stakeholders on preventing cannabis-related accidents.

The push to reclassify cannabis originally began under the Biden administration, and recent signals suggest the Trump administration may take further action on the proposal.

In his letter, Horvath noted that ATA had previously raised these questions with DOT officials, including during the tenure of former Secretary Pete Buttigieg. While Buttigieg testified before Congress that testing requirements would remain intact, ATA says it never received detailed explanations on how that would be ensured. Without certainty, Horvath warned, there could be gaps in federal oversight that would endanger both drivers and the public.

He noted that nearly 60 percent of all positive drug tests recorded in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse since 2020 involved cannabis. Further, he wrote that research from the National Transportation Safety Board has identified cannabis as one of the most commonly detected substances in crashes involving fatal injuries.

The ATA letter also cited findings from a 2023 study, which linked recreational cannabis legalization to an estimated 1,000 fatalities nationwide each year, with higher death rates in states that legalized the drug earlier.

The letter highlighted several tragic examples where cannabis played a role in deadly crashes. These included a 2023 collision in Indiana that killed seven people, a Texas crash where a cement truck driver admitted to using cannabis the night before a wreck that killed a child and another motorist, and a 2022 accident in Oklahoma that took the lives of six teenagers.

Horvath argued that regular testing acts as both a deterrent and a means of detection, and removing that safeguard could make tragedies like these more common. He asked DOT to coordinate with the DOJ, the DHHS, and lawmakers to ensure that any policy change preserves the authority and resources needed to keep testing programs in place.

Cannabis industry firms, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CNX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), hope that the safety concerns raised by the ATA can be addressed so that responsible marijuana use isn’t sacrificed at the altar of the few people who consume the substance and endanger the lives of others.

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420 with CNW — New York’s Cannabis Social Equity Program Faces Another Legal Challenge

New York’s cannabis industry faced another setback recently after a federal appeals court ruled that the state unlawfully discriminated against applicants from outside New York in a recent licensing process.

On August 12, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a 2-1 decision stating that the state’s choice to favor applicants with prior marijuana convictions under state law was unconstitutional. The case now heads back to a lower court for further action.

Although the ruling may not immediately disrupt the state’s program, experts believe it could discourage other states from designing cannabis licensing systems that prioritize residents or people with state-level convictions.

The lawsuit was filed in December 2023 by Beverly Hills attorney Jeffrey Jensen, who has repeatedly challenged New York’s cannabis regulations and similar laws in other states.

Jensen previously sued over the state’s Conditional Adult Use Recreational Dispensary (CAURD) program in 2022, winning a permit only to sell it later instead of opening a store. That case delayed the launch of New York’s legal market, which was projected at $1.5 billion.

In his latest case, Jensen argued that the state’s licensing rules violated the Constitution’s dormant commerce clause, which prevents states from giving preferential treatment to in-state residents. Regulators had offered advantages to applicants with cannabis convictions in New York, effectively sidelining those from other states.

Initially, a federal district judge sided with New York officials, agreeing with their argument that the commerce clause should not apply to cannabis since the drug remains illegal under federal law.

But the appeals court reversed that ruling, stating that the lower court had made an error. Judge Dennis Jacobs, writing for the majority, explained that states cannot create protectionist laws unless Congress explicitly allows it—and Congress has not done so for marijuana.

Despite the legal victory for Jensen, the impact in New York may be minimal in the short term. Regulators had already dropped their earlier plan to cap permits during the late 2023 application windows and instead began reviewing thousands of submissions. That review could stretch on for years, with officials even expressing concern that the state might be licensing more dispensaries than the market can support.

Attorneys watching the case note that the consequences could extend beyond New York. Courts across the country have been divided on how the dormant commerce clause applies to cannabis regulations, and other lawsuits brought by Jensen are still pending in the 9th and 4th Circuits. If those rulings contradict each other, legal experts say the issue may eventually land before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The broader marijuana industry, including firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be following these cases to see how any rulings delivered could impact the future of the industry.

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420 with CNW — GOP Congressman Introduces Bill to Reclassify Marijuana Federally

While President Donald Trump weighs an administrative move to change cannabis’ federal classification, a Republican lawmaker has put forward a bill to make that change permanent through legislation.

Representative Greg Steube has once again introduced the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act,” marking the fourth time he has filed the measure in consecutive sessions. The bill’s name refers to shifting marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).This would place marijuana in the same category as substances considered to have lower abuse potential and recognized medical uses.

The Biden administration began the rescheduling effort last year. Trump backed the idea while campaigning, but his position since taking office has been less direct. He recently stated that his administration was still reviewing the matter and would make a decision in the coming weeks.

Steube’s legislation would bypass administrative uncertainty by writing the change into law. That would make the policy less vulnerable to being reversed or challenged in court. The short, two-page bill instructs the U.S. attorney general to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 within 60 days of the law taking effect.

The filing came a day after Trump was asked about the Biden-led rescheduling process. Where he ultimately stands on the rescheduling issue remains unclear. While he acknowledged both sides of the debate, he did not commit to following through with it. Speaking at the press conference, he noted that some people strongly oppose cannabis, believing it harms both youth and adults, while others support reform.

In response, Steube and Democratic Representative Dina Titus urged the president to move forward. Steube criticized the current federal stance, noting that cannabis is grouped with drugs like LSD and heroin, while cocaine is treated as less restricted. He noted the reclassification would open the door for more medical research and bring federal drug laws in line with reality.

Earlier this year, Steube also introduced the first marijuana-related bill of the 119th Congress. That legislation would protect military veterans from losing federal benefits if they legally use medical marijuana under state law.

Meanwhile, new DEA Administrator Terrence Cole has not placed marijuana rescheduling among his official agency priorities. Instead, his focus list includes combating drug trafficking, targeting Mexican cartels, disrupting fentanyl distribution, and addressing dark web and crypto-related crime.

This is despite his earlier testimony during his Senate confirmation hearing when he identified reviewing cannabis rescheduling as one of his first tasks in office.

The marijuana industry, including companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX: TCNNF) (CNX: TRUL) will be waiting for concrete scheduling changes because many bills and speeches have previously been made regarding the classification of marijuana in the CSA but nothing has materialized.

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420 with CNW — Delaware Reports Encouraging Start to Adult-Use Marijuana Market

Delaware’s first weekend of legal recreational cannabis sales wrapped up with better-than-expected results, marking an important step forward for the state’s new adult-use cannabis program. Sales officially kicked off on August 1, drawing in both seasoned medical patients and first-time recreational buyers.

During the initial three-day period from Friday to Sunday, combined sales of medical and recreational cannabis totaled more than $903,000. Of that, roughly $625,000 came from recreational cannabis purchases, generating approximately $93,750 in taxes for the state. Recreational cannabis is taxed at 15%, while medical cannabis remains exempt from sales tax.

Breaking down the numbers by county, New Castle County’s five dispensaries led the pack with approximately $432,320 in combined sales. Sussex County’s five shops followed with $242,833, and Kent County’s four dispensaries brought in $227,947.

Governor Matt Meyer praised the outcome, noting that the figures show both readiness and public enthusiasm for a safe, regulated market. He added that the new revenue provides an opportunity to reinvest directly in local communities to make Delaware a leader in marijuana quality, innovation, and equitable access.

Sales reports revealed a range of customer preferences across different product categories. Cannabis flower was the top choice, making up 56% of all purchases with more than $509,000 in sales. Vape cartridges followed at 26%, bringing in over $233,000. Edible products like gummies and chocolates accounted for about 14% of sales, totaling $123,768. Smaller segments included pre-rolls with concentrates, liquid-infused products, topicals, and hash.

Joshua Sanderlin, the state’s Marijuana Commissioner, said the early results exceeded expectations, pointing to both strong demand and the professionalism of licensed operators. He noted that the launch sets the stage for long-term economic benefits while keeping safety a priority.

Joshua Bushweller, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, echoed the sentiment, noting that the opening weekend demonstrated Delaware’s ability to manage regulated marijuana sales responsibly.

Throughout the launch weekend, state officials conducted routine inspections to ensure all retailers followed regulations. No major violations were reported, and dispensaries were found to comply with the state’s detailed rules on product quality, inventory management, and customer verification.

So far, the state has issued 64 conditional licenses, with more expected by summer’s end. The state also plans to begin distributing Social Equity Financial Assistance grants to help equity licensees get their businesses operational. Meanwhile, officials are reviewing all regulations to ensure they promote a safe, stable, and competitive marijuana industry.

Industry actors within and outside the country, such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be glad that the launch is going according to plan and adults who wish to consume marijuana for recreational purposes can access products at regulated outlets rather than the black market.

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420 with CNW — US DOJ Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Gun Ban for Marijuana Users

The Justice Department is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a federal rule that bars people who use cannabis or other illegal substances from owning firearms. The DOJ argues the policy aligns with the Second Amendment and should remain in place.

John Sauer, the U.S. Solicitor General, has asked the justices to take up one of several pending cases to address conflicting decisions from lower courts on whether marijuana consumers can legally possess guns. Federal appeals courts have issued mixed rulings, creating what DOJ calls a growing “circuit conflict.”

Last week, DOJ asked the high court to review U.S. v. Hemani, a case they describe as a prime example of the dispute over 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (3), which prohibits gun and ammunition possession by unlawful drug users. In that case, the defendant reportedly used both cannabis and cocaine and had a record of drug sales, making him, in the government’s view, a less sympathetic figure than defendants in similar cases who were only linked to cannabis.

According to Sauer, the matter impacts hundreds of cases annually and centers on whether individuals who regularly use banned substances—but are not necessarily impaired when carrying a firearm—can be disarmed.

In its filing, DOJ pointed out that the Seventh Circuit has supported the ban, the Eighth Circuit has allowed it only with individual justification, and the Fifth Circuit has said it generally violates the Second Amendment unless the user was intoxicated while armed.

New rulings have further complicated the split, prompting the DOJ to push for Hemani as the lead case for resolution. It also emphasizes that cannabis remains illegal under federal law, regardless of state-level legalization, and federal rules take priority.

Several related cases—U.S. v. Baxter, U.S. v. Cooper, and U.S. v. Daniels—are also before the Court. In Cooper, a prison sentence was overturned for a man convicted of having a gun while using cannabis. In Baxter, the Eighth Circuit suggested the law might be unconstitutional in some cases. The DOJ wants the Supreme Court to decide Hemani first, and then apply that ruling to these others.

Recent court rulings have increasingly challenged § 922(g) (3), with some judges saying there’s little historical support for disarming all drug users. The Eighth Circuit recently suggested the government could justify such a restriction if it proved a particular drug inherently made users dangerous. The Third Circuit, however, requires individualized assessments for each defendant.

The DOJ has argued the ban is consistent with the Supreme Court’s U.S. v. Rahimi decision, which upheld firearm restrictions for people under domestic violence restraining orders. Federal prosecutors have also claimed that cannabis users pose safety risks, are more prone to suicide, and might commit crimes to support drug habits.

State-level responses vary, with some lawmakers pushing for reforms to protect medical marijuana patients’ gun rights, while others back stricter enforcement. In Kentucky, officials recently warned that residents who join the new medical marijuana program will be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under federal law.

The Supreme Court is expected to discuss whether to take Hemani and the other cases in a closed conference next month. Their decision could have sweeping implications for both gun rights and marijuana policy nationwide.

The entire marijuana industry, including entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be watching how the U.S. Supreme Court decides on this matter before it as it could have major ramifications on the industry.

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420 with CNW — Partnership Between Cannabis Tracking Software Providers Leaves Marijuana Industry Concerned

Leading cannabis compliance and tracking company Metrc entered into a new partnership with its rival BioTrack, sparking speculation about the future of marijuana tracking in the United States.

The recent announcement has left many licensed operators and state regulators uncertain about its implications, particularly in New York, where a functioning seed-to-sale system is still pending for the state’s $1.5 billion cannabis market.

For years, the U.S. cannabis industry has relied mainly on two Florida-based firms to manage its product tracking systems. Metrc, based in Lakeland, currently holds contracts with twenty-nine states, requiring all licensed operators in these areas to use its RFID-tag-based tracking software. BioTrack, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, serves eight states but has been losing market share despite acquiring smaller competitors, including MJFreeway in 2024.

Under the new partnership, a new company, BT Government, will handle BioTrack’s government contracts, operating independently from BioTrack and Metrc. The entity will be led by BioTrack’s COO, Moe Afaneh, while BioTrack continues to provide point-of-sale and other commercial software services.

Financial terms of the partnership were not revealed. However, state records show that Metrc LLC operates independently from its parent, Metrc Inc., whose leadership includes notable investors such as Karan Wadhera of Casa Verde Capital, a cannabis-focused investment firm linked to Snoop Dogg.

Industry observers see potential benefits in the collaboration. Poseidon Investment Management managing director Emily Paxhia noted that marijuana businesses currently navigate a “patchwork” of different tracking systems, depending on state rules. The new partnership, she suggested, might simplify operations for multi-state operators. Still, it’s unclear whether this move represents a merger or simply a functional partnership.

BioTrack, now owned by Alleaves, currently holds seed-to-sale contracts in Connecticut, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, New York, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Virginia. However, Metrc has been chipping away at BioTrack’s market share. Illinois recently switched from BioTrack to Metrc, and Massachusetts renewed its Metrc contract earlier this year.

New York’s deal with BioTrack, signed in late 2022, was worth $1.2 million over five years, far less than the $113 million California agreed to pay Metrc for four years. Still, operators have raised concerns over BioTrack’s tag pricing requirements, which they say would raise costs unnecessarily.

Following the partnership announcement, New York regulators temporarily halted compliance requirements while they assess the impact. Cannabis operators in other BioTrack states, such as Connecticut, are also waiting for guidance.

Some businesses speculate the partnership might eventually allow states with BioTrack contracts to switch to Metrc’s platform, which they see as more efficient. But for now, the industry is left with more questions than answers—especially about pricing, timelines, and technology updates.

The marijuana industry, including players across the border like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be watching for any additional information provided about this partnership as it could influence the trajectory of operations within the industry.

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420 with CNW — Reports Indicate Trump is Privately Considering Cannabis Reclassification

President Donald Trump recently hinted at easing federal cannabis restrictions during a private dinner at his Bedminster club in New Jersey. “We need to review that,” he told a small group of donors, according to two attendees. “It’s something we’re considering.”

During his campaign, Trump had stated that a second term could mark a shift in federal cannabis policy. He expressed interest in giving states more freedom to legalize and in removing marijuana from the same federal category as heroin. This position appealed to younger voters, minority communities, and libertarian-leaning supporters.

However, after seven months in office, no action has been taken, even though other campaign promises have been addressed quickly.

Inside the administration, marijuana reform has created divisions. Some of his political strategists are pushing for quick action, seeing it as a way to strengthen Republican support before the midterms. Others, focused on policy, worry about legal complications and the political risks of loosening marijuana laws.

Public signals about Trump’s plans remain mixed. James Hagedorn, CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro, noted that Trump has repeatedly promised that he would support reclassifying cannabis to a less restricted category. His company has invested heavily in cannabis-related ventures and donated half a million dollars to a GOP-aligned super PAC.

However, the new DEA chief, Terrance Cole, has not listed cannabis reform as a priority.

Trump’s campaign promise came last year when he posted on Truth Social that he supported a ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida. He also said he wanted to move marijuana to Schedule III, a category for substances with lower potential for abuse than Schedule 1, where marijuana currently sits. He has also stated that small-scale possession should not result in jail time.

The current classification review began under President Joe Biden, with the HHS recommending a move to Schedule III. The DOJ started formal steps in 2024, but the process stalled when Biden left office.

The White House has since been gathering agency feedback, weighing potential effects on law enforcement. Some advisors worry that reclassification could make it harder for police to use cannabis odor as probable cause in searches—something Trump has supported in his tough-on-crime stance.

Although Trump’s public tone on cannabis has softened, he remains personally opposed to drug use, shaped by his brother’s struggles with alcohol.

Supporters, including industry groups and influential figures like Joe Rogan, continue to urge him to act, arguing it would create jobs, expand research, and appeal to a majority of Americans who favor legalization.

Any changes to the schedule in which marijuana falls could indeed lead to the mushrooming of not just marijuana companies but also allied firms similar to those operating like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

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