💸 The Tape

The U.S. cannabis industry is teetering on the edge of transformative change as we look toward 2025. A pivotal development on everyone’s radar is the potential rescheduling of marijuana by the Department of Justice—from Schedule I to Schedule III—forecasted for late 2025. Such a move would legitimize the plant’s medical benefits, reduce red tape for researchers, and pave the way for easier access to financial services.

Adding fuel to the buzz is the Trump Administration’s announcement supporting states’ rights to legalize cannabis. This shift in policy could usher in a diverse array of local regulatory models. The downside? We might end up with a patchwork of rules, but at least states would have a green light to chart their own course without heavy federal interference.

On the capital markets front, industry players have their hopes pinned on uplisting. Right now, many cannabis stocks languish on over-the-counter (OTC) exchanges, curtailing their access to big-money investors. If newly minted federal guidelines grant Safe Harbor provisions, major exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq could soon welcome American cannabis companies—an infusion of liquidity the sector desperately needs.

Much of this, however, hinges on the SAFE Banking Act. Without clear language protecting financial institutions and reassuring compliance with FinCEN regulations, big banks are unlikely to step up. Moreover, institutional investors have steered clear, leaving a retail-heavy shareholder base. With the right legislation, cannabis stocks may become more palatable to pension funds, hedge funds, and other deep-pocketed players.

Still, don’t expect a smooth ride. Market volatility, changing regulations, and fierce global competition won’t simply vanish. Companies that stay nimble—adapting to new rules, innovating products, and forging strategic partnerships—will be best positioned to thrive. So yes, 2025 could finally be the year when rescheduling, states’ rights, and streamlined banking coalesce to catapult the U.S. cannabis industry into the mainstream. But until then, keep a watchful eye on Washington—it’s the key to everything from new capital flows to broader consumer acceptance.

🗞️ The News

These Were The Biggest Federal And Congressional Marijuana Policy Developments Of 2024

What is the economic outlook for marijuana companies in 2025?

Keef Brands bubbles to top of competitive cannabis beverage sector

Pre-rolled cannabis could be coming to Ohio dispensaries

Trump Administration May Be Good For Rescheduling In ‘25, Say Cannabis Leaders

📺 YouTube

Who Is Judge Mulrooney: Impact on ALJ Hearing

What we covered:

✅ On our Black Cannabis Perform Miniseries, host Shadd Dales dives into the credentials and impact of Judge John J. Mulrooney, the Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for the DEA, on the upcoming cannabis rescheduling hearing. 🏛

First, let's explore his credentials: 📜 Judge John J. Mulrooney II boasts an impressive legal background, graduating from Hofstra University and Albany Law School. Since 2018, he's served as the Chief ALJ at the Office of Administrative Law Judges.

Now, let's examine his potential impact on the cannabis industry: Judge Mulrooney is known for his meticulous legal approach. His decision to allow a young medical marijuana patient to testify highlights the real-life impact of current scheduling on individuals, potentially swaying the decision towards cannabis rescheduling. However, his strict adherence to procedural rules might limit testimonies and evidence, possibly slowing down the cannabis reform process.

The hearing runs from January 21 to March 6, 2025, featuring presentations from notable names like the Government, Hemp for Victory, the NCIA, and DEA narcotics agents. This hearing is a significant event in the cannabis industry, especially considering the changes initiated during the Trump administration.