The story revolves around the potential reclassification of marijuana by the United States government, moving it to a less dangerous category [1]. This shift could prompt more states to legalize marijuana, both for medical and recreational purposes, in addition to making it easier for cannabis companies to operate and access financial services [2]. The proposed regulatory change is seen as a stepping stone towards nationwide legalization, as it could potentially reduce costs for consumers and the industry [3]. Stakeholders in the cannabis industry, including those in Nevada, are cautiously optimistic, anticipating lower costs and smoother operations if such reclassification occurs [4, 5]. There is a widespread belief that the Biden administration's plan to reclassify marijuana will have positive implications for consumers and businesses in the cannabis industry [6]. The reclassification could also lead to tax benefits and improved access to loans for businesses in the industry in Illinois and Colorado [7, 8].
While this reclassification is expected to positively impact the cannabis industry and potentially lead to easier access for banking services, federal employees might not experience significant changes [9]. Various states, such as California and Ohio, are poised to potentially benefit from the reclassification regarding their marijuana programs [10, 11]. Georgia pharmacies are also positioning themselves to offer medical marijuana if the drug is reclassified [12]. The move to reclassify, set to be a historic shift, might not completely remove marijuana as a controlled substance but could relax certain restrictions [13, 14, 15].
Overall, the potential reclassification of marijuana in the United States is anticipated to have far-reaching implications, potentially allowing for greater access and benefits for the cannabis industry, businesses, consumers, as well as impacting state laws and banking services.