Federal Flux, State Action — Cannabis Reform at a Policy Inflection Point
Rescheduling uncertainty, legislative momentum, and economic milestones define the cannabis landscape this week.
Cannabis policy in the U.S. is accelerating in multiple directions. Federal momentum toward reform remains tangled in legal and procedural uncertainty even as lawmakers strip anti‑rescheduling language from spending bills and top congressional voices insist the Justice Department must act. Meanwhile, states like Florida are pushing full legalization, Ohio reports a major sales milestone, and New Hampshire’s House passed legalization measures. Alongside these, governors are publicly acknowledging delays in medical rollout while pressing forward. Below are the eight most recent cannabis news developments that matter right now.
House Advances Medical Protections, Strips Anti‑Rescheduling Language from Spending Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a major appropriations package that maintains federal protections for state medical marijuana laws and notably removed a provision that would have blocked the Justice Department from rescheduling marijuana.
Why it matters:
This is a crucial pivot in federal cannabis politics — Congress chose to preserve longstanding protections for medical cannabis programs across dozens of states while not enshrining a ban on rescheduling. That latter piece was considered by reform advocates to be a key point of resistance, and its removal signals a shift in federal legislative calculus.
Combined with President Trump’s executive directive to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, the House action suggests lawmakers may be less intent on walling off reform and more focused on dovetailing legislative and executive priorities.
Takeaways:
Federal medical protections survive, shielding state programs from DOJ interference.
Blocking rescheduling is no longer part of the spending deal, diminishing a major point of friction between Congress and reform advocates.
The Senate now takes up the package with these provisions intact.
GOP Congressman Reassures Reformers: Trump Told DOJ to Act on Rescheduling
A key Republican congressman publicly dismissed concerns that the federal rescheduling process might stall, asserting President Trump made it “very clear” the Justice Department must follow through on rescheduling instructions.
Why it matters:
This comment from a GOP lawmaker — in the context of a broader conservative majority — hints at growing political alignment behind at least procedural execution of federal cannabis reclassification. It doesn’t guarantee timing, but the public reassurance reinforces executive expectations and reduces some political uncertainty.
Takeaways:
Even prominent Republicans are signaling support for procedural progress on rescheduling.
This may set the stage for more predictable DOJ action — though agency calendars and legal reviews remain in play.
New Florida Bill Seeks Recreational Legalization and Expanded Business Licensing
In Florida, a newly introduced bill would legalize recreational marijuana while ending what supporters call “monopolies” in the medical cannabis space. The legislation proposes expanded business licensing to dismantle entrenched market power.
Why it matters:
In a key Southern swing state where legalization has faced past ballot turmoil, this represents a legislative attempt to combine adult‑use reform with industry competition policy. If this move gains traction, Florida’s market could grow rapidly and diversify beyond current limited medical operators.
Takeaways:
Florida’s legalization approach blends consumer access with anti‑monopoly reforms.
Expanded licensing could spur smaller operators and promote broader economic participation.
Ohio Reports More Than $1 Billion in Marijuana Sales for 2025
Ohio’s cannabis market hit a major milestone: more than $1 billion in combined recreational and medical marijuana sales in 2025.
Why it matters:
This economic benchmark highlights once again that legal cannabis is a robust commercial sector, capable of generating significant revenue without jeopardizing public safety. Ohio’s success bolsters arguments for regulated adult‑use markets in other states.
Takeaways:
Consumer demand remains high in established adult‑use markets.
Consistent sales trajectory supports broader commercialization narratives.
New Hampshire House Passes Marijuana Legalization and For‑Profit Conversion Bills
The New Hampshire House approved a legalization bill alongside measures
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