Categories
Controlled Substance Act Legislation Meet Blank Rome Regulatory Compliance

2025 Wrap-Up: Historic Cannabis Rescheduling

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.

Categories
Controlled Substance Act Legislation Meet Blank Rome Regulatory Compliance

Blank Rome Poised to Guide Clients Through Marijuana Rescheduling

Shane A. Pennington, Frank A. Segalland 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.

Categories
Controlled Substance Act Legislation Meet Blank Rome Regulatory Compliance

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Effort Challenged in Congress

Marc A. Polito —

Where Things Stand Now

Last week, Republican lawmakers in Congress took a major step to block President Donald Trump’s potential move to reschedule marijuana. The GOP-controlled House Appropriations Committee approved a spending bill that would prohibit the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) from using federal funds to reschedule or deschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. This move comes as the Trump administration signals it is considering reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, a change that would have significant implications for the industry and for federal-state relations.

The bill, advanced by the House Appropriations Committee, includes explicit language: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to reschedule marijuana… or to remove marijuana from the schedules established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act.” This provision, if enacted, would effectively freeze the ongoing federal review process and reserve the authority to change marijuana’s status exclusively for Congress, rather than the executive branch.

Exit mobile version