Policy & Regulation

A potential move of cannabis to Schedule III could eventually reshape the industry’s tax burden by ending the reach of Section 280E. But operators should not confuse political momentum with immediate relief. A CPA explains why retroactive tax refunds are unlikely and disciplined compliance still matters. From defensible cost accounting to scenario planning and entity-structure review, the smartest path is cautious preparation rather than reactive change.

CDTFA reports California collected $255.1M in Q4 2025 cannabis taxes, down after Q3’s temporary rate spike.

According to a new report from Americans for Safe Access, impending federal changes to hemp definitions could strip access from veterans, seniors, and those with rare diseases who rely on full-spectrum products.

Rescheduling may bring long-awaited 280E relief and a new sheen of mainstream legitimacy, but it also opens the door to federal-grade oversight, GMP expectations, stricter lender requirements, and expanded liability exposure. The “extra” cash operators anticipate could be quickly absorbed by compliance upgrades, professional services, and risk management. For CEOs, COOs, and CFOs, reclassification isn’t a finish line. It’s the starting gun for a tougher operational race.

What cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III really means, how the process works, and why it matters for businesses and patients.

Rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III would not legalize cannabis — but it could fundamentally alter how the federal government treats the plant. From tax policy and medical research to regulatory oversight, here’s what cannabis rescheduling actually means, how the process works, and why it matters to businesses, patients, and policymakers.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III — a move that could eliminate 280E taxation for cannabis businesses but still requires formal DEA rulemaking. While the White House framed the order as “common sense,” opposition from congressional Republicans and unresolved administrative hearings leave the timeline uncertain.

Wyoming’s U.S. attorney said marijuana possession on federal lands will face strict prosecution under revised Justice Department guidance.

New polling shows most Canadians want Ottawa to support legal cannabis as an economic opportunity, not just a regulatory issue.

More than 150 licensed dispensaries in New York won’t face forced closure or relocation after a state Supreme Court injunction blocked OCM’s reinterpretation of school-zone rules.