NewsRoom Articles - CannabisNewsWire

ThursdayMay 07, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Reclassification Eases Some Industry Hurdles

Cannabis rescheduling in the U.S. could reshape scientific research and parts of the industry, though key questions remain about how the change will be carried out. Under a final rule issued by the Office of the Attorney General, federally approved drug products containing marijuana would be placed in Schedule III of the CSA. This represents a significant change from the current Schedule I status, a category reserved for substances considered highly dangerous and lacking accepted medical use. Moving cannabis into Schedule III places it alongside drugs such as ketamine and codeine, signaling recognition of its therapeutic potential. Researchers say the adjustment could ease some of the strict requirements that have long complicated cannabis studies. Daniele Piomelli, a professor of anatomy and…

WednesdayMay 06, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Looming Federal Ban Causes Colorado Bill Regulating Hemp THC to Fail

Efforts to expand where hemp-derived THC beverages can be sold in Colorado stalled this week as lawmakers were unable to gather enough support to move the proposal forward. SB 164 sought to open the door for these drinks to be offered in restaurants and bars, rather than limiting sales to licensed marijuana dispensaries. However, the measure was withdrawn by its lead sponsor after it became clear that it would not secure the votes needed to pass. Opposition from segments of the state’s cannabis industry played a significant role in the outcome, according to reporting by The Denver Gazette. Backers of the bill argued that the legislation…

TuesdayMay 05, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Experts Say Partial Marijuana Rescheduling is Causing Confusion

While the Trump administration has taken a partial step toward rescheduling marijuana, the move has left many in the industry uncertain about what comes next. Acting AG Todd Blanche recently signed an order moving certain cannabis-related products out of the most restrictive federal category. Specifically, products sold through state-licensed medical cannabis programs, along with those approved by the FDA, will move from Schedule I to Schedule III. Despite the shift, policy experts caution that the change is limited in scope. Cat Packer, who oversees drug markets and legal regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance, said it would be misleading to describe the decision as a broad reclassification of…

MondayMay 04, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — GOP Congressmen Advance Legislation to Block Marijuana Rescheduling

Republican lawmakers on a key House committee are pushing forward a spending proposal that could halt federal efforts to reschedule cannabis. The move comes shortly after the Trump administration signaled plans to proceed with reclassifying the drug. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies released draft legislation that includes language designed to block any funding from being used to alter marijuana’s current status under the CSA. The provision states that no funds provided through the bill could be used to change marijuana’s classification or take it off the federal schedule altogether. This is not the first time members of the committee have attempted to include such restrictions in federal spending bills. Similar provisions have been…

FridayMay 01, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — DEA Opens Portal to Register Medical Marijuana Operators

Businesses interested in operating as medical cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. can begin submitting applications starting Wednesday, April 29, following a directive from President Donald Trump to change how marijuana is classified under federal law. The update was announced through a notice published on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to the agency, its online system for medical marijuana registration will open at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The rollout comes just days after the Justice Department revealed plans to ease certain federal limits on cannabis-related products and accelerate efforts to place marijuana in a less restrictive category. Companies applying for approval will need to meet several requirements. The DEA has set an…

ThursdayApr 30, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Sales Record Major Spike on 4/20

Cannabis retailers across the U.S. recorded a notable surge in sales on April 20 (4/20) this year, with particularly strong gains in states that have recently approved legal use. Data released by online ordering company Jane Technologies shows that total sales on April 20 climbed by 46.9% compared to the same date last year. The number of transactions also rose sharply, increasing by 46.6%. The figures reflect activity from stores that were operating in both 2025 and 2026, a method the company used to avoid overstating growth due to newly opened locations. Socrates Rosenfeld, co-founder and chief executive of Jane Technologies, said the yearly spike offers insight…

WednesdayApr 29, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trucking Industry in Grey Area as Marijuana is Reclassified Federally

A directive signed by Acting AG Todd Blanche on April 22 and put into force the next day shifts two categories of cannabis from Schedule I of the CSA to Schedule III. One includes marijuana-based medications approved by the FDA. The other applies to cannabis produced, distributed, or sold under state-issued medical licenses. The second group carries particular relevance for trucking. It covers legally sanctioned dispensaries where drivers with valid medical authorization can purchase cannabis in most states. However, beyond these categories, little else has shifted. Recreational use remains in Schedule 1. Cannabis outside federal approval or state medical frameworks is still treated the same as before. For drivers, this means recent positive drug tests still…

TuesdayApr 28, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — US DOJ Moves Some Marijuana Products to Schedule III

The Justice Department (DOJ) has rescheduled certain marijuana products, signaling a notable policy shift after decades of strict federal control. Acting AG Todd Blanche announced that cannabis products approved by the FDA or authorized under state medical cannabis programs will be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III. This adjustment places them alongside medications such as codeine-based pain relievers, reflecting a lower perceived risk and recognized medical use. Blanche also directed officials to begin a formal review that could lead to broader changes, including the possible reclassification of cannabis in its entirety. A public hearing has been scheduled for June…

MondayApr 27, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Illinois Disburses $32M to Cannabis Social Equity Firms

Illinois has taken another step in its effort to promote fairness in the legal cannabis market, issuing $31.8 million in loans to businesses identified under its social equity program. State officials confirmed that 95 companies received funding in this latest round, with individual loan amounts between $50,000 and $750,000. The loans come with favorable terms. Borrowers will not pay interest for the first 18 months, and no payments are required during that period. In addition, companies may be eligible to have the full amount forgiven if they meet certain conditions tied to how the funds are used. Lieutenant Governor Juliana…

FridayApr 24, 2026 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — How Top Brands, Politicians Celebrated Marijuana’s 4/20 Holiday

April 20, widely known as 4/20, has become an informal holiday associated with cannabis use. As public attitudes continue to shift and legalization spreads across the U.S., more public officials and companies are openly acknowledging the day. This year, messages shared online reflected a mix of celebration, policy advocacy, and public safety reminders. Lawmakers used the occasion to highlight economic and legislative arguments tied to marijuana policy. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pointed to the financial impact of prohibition in his state, noting that residents are traveling elsewhere to purchase cannabis, taking significant tax revenue with them. He urged lawmakers to act and move legalization legislation forward. California Governor Gavin…