President Donald Trump’s push to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III presents both new opportunities and fresh challenges for the industry and regulators. While rescheduling would end the notorious IRS 280E tax penalty, allowing cannabis businesses to claim normal deductions and improve profitability, it does not equate to federal legalization of state-licensed markets. Instead, only DEA-registered entities will access the full benefits, while state dispensaries remain outside federal legitimacy.
Big Pharma is expected to enter the space at the level of pharmaceutical-grade products, not retail dispensaries. State markets and jobs remain protected, as federal changes won’t force states to shutter their systems. For operators, adapting facility security and compliance are now critical, as the world watches this pivotal moment in U.S. cannabis history.
Read the full analysis at Forbes: “Trump And Cannabis Rescheduling: Opportunities And Limitations Under Schedule III”.