Tag: Executive Order

Blank Rome’s Cannabis Practice Applauds Milestone EO and Anticipates Continued Developments and Opportunities in 2026

Frank A. Segall and Shane A. Pennington —

President Trump recently signed Executive Order “Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research,” published on December 18, 2025. This important measure directed federal agencies to reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under federal law, marking a major step forward for medical research, patient access, and the broader cannabis industry.

In recognition of this milestone, we would also like to acknowledge entrepreneur and philanthropist, Howard Kessler, for his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding medical cannabis access for seniors through The Commonwealth Project, which aligns with this significant occasion.

“We congratulate Howard Kessler on his vision, perseverance, and critical involvement in advancing medical cannabis access for senior healthcare through The Commonwealth Project, which resulted in President Trump’s historic Executive Order rescheduling cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. Howard Kessler championed a cause and became its champion,” said Frank A. Segall, partner and co-chair of the Cannabis practice.

Following this Executive Order, Blank Rome’s Cannabis team has been actively engaging with the media, providing insights and analysis on the implications of rescheduling cannabis.

Shane A. Pennington, Frank A. Segall, and Scott H. Moskol —

As the cannabis industry anticipates a significant executive order that could reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, Blank Rome’s Cannabis industry group is ready to guide clients with strategic insight and timely advice. Regulatory authority and Blank Rome partner Shane A. Pennington, with the support of Cannabis industry group co-chairs Frank A. Segall and Scott H. Moskol, have been directly involved in addressing the Department of Justice’s proposal for rescheduling marijuana on behalf of our clients. Encouraging updates continue to emerge daily, and we believe an executive order authorizing this change will be issued soon.

Shane, Frank, Scott, and Blank Rome’s team of cannabis attorneys are at the cutting edge of industry trends, closely following and influencing policy developments in Washington, D.C. The Cannabis industry group is dedicated to keeping our clients updated in real time, helping you act swiftly and take advantage of new possibilities arising from this historic development.

Once a clear path is set by executive order, our team will host a series of meetings and webinars to help clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and maximize the benefits of rescheduling. Building on our longstanding leadership at the forefront of the cannabis industry, our deep knowledge of legal and regulatory issues enables us to guide clients through emerging changes, so they can confidently navigate and benefit from the evolving market.

As you prepare for this transformative moment in the industry, trust Blank Rome to be your partner every step of the way. For questions or to learn more about our services, please contact us.