The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) welcomes President Trump’s decision to officially direct the Attorney General to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance. Medical professionals, patients, and millions of Americans have long understood that cannabis has accepted medical use and does not belong in the same category as the most dangerous controlled substances. By taking this step, the Administration is recognizing the realities of today’s regulated markets and the work states have done to responsibly oversee them.

NCIA was honored to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s public hearings on rescheduling earlier this year, where we emphasized the importance of supporting state-licensed cannabis programs and the small businesses that form the backbone of this industry which employs hundreds of thousands of workers and contributes billions of dollars to the economy. Moving cannabis to Schedule III will finally lift the crushing burden of §280E, allowing operators to reinvest in their employees, strengthen compliance, and allow them to continue delivering safe, regulated products to consumers. This change acknowledges something that researchers, advocates, and patients have known for years: that the cannabis plant has medicinal value.

This is meaningful progress, but it cannot be the final word. NCIA urges lawmakers to build on today’s decision by establishing a framework that respects states’ rights, supports responsible operators, and provides  clear federal enforcement guidelines in order to provide certainty to the thousands of businesses operating openly and in compliance with state law. NCIA will continue working to ensure that this industry can thrive under policies that are fair, consistent, and reflective of modern realities.

Donate Today

As we close out the year, NCIA invites you to contribute to our advocacy. Year-end donations directly strengthen our federal presence and ensure operators’ voices remain at the center of the conversation. Make a donation here.

Members, thank you for standing with us.

Non-members, now is the moment to join and add your voice. Join online today or schedule a call with our team to discuss membership. 

Together, we move the industry forward.