US health officials urge rescheduling of marijuana
In a groundbreaking move, a high-ranking official from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made a momentous recommendation that could reshape the landscape of cannabis prohibition in the United States. HHS has formally proposed the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, a significant shift that reflects a changing perspective on the plant’s classification.
This historic announcement marks the first time a major government agency has acknowledged the erroneous categorization of cannabis as a highly dangerous substance with no recognized medical benefits. The decision to move cannabis to Schedule III comes after an exhaustive year-long investigation, one of the most comprehensive reviews undertaken by the federal government concerning cannabis.
However, it’s important to note that this recommendation, while historic, does not immediately alter the legal status of cannabis. The final decision rests with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which will conduct its own review and decide whether to align with the HHS recommendation. Thus, state-licensed cannabis businesses will still operate in violation of federal law for the time being. Nevertheless, given that President Biden initiated this HHS review, there is a strong likelihood that cannabis may be rescheduled to Schedule III within the next year, possibly even before the 2024 presidential election.
What are the potential long-term implications for the cannabis industry?
While many aspects remain uncertain, one immediate impact, assuming the DEA follows HHS’s lead, is the elimination of Section 280e of the IRS tax code for cannabis businesses. Section 280e treats state-licensed cannabis businesses as if they were federal drug traffickers, preventing them from claiming standard business deductions available to other industries. This provision has been a significant financial burden on the cannabis industry.
Notably, Section 280e only applies to Schedule I and II substances. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would remove one of the largest obstacles to profitability for cannabis businesses. This move could be a game-changer, particularly at a time when the industry faces intense competition and price compression, making it exceedingly challenging for businesses to turn a profit.
While rescheduling wouldn’t directly grant access to institutional banking and lending in the cannabis sector, it could still lead to an influx of capital, including from new lenders. The shift to Schedule III sends a signal to cautious investors that the federal government is adopting a more lenient stance, potentially reducing the perceived risk. While major institutions like Bank of America or Wells Fargo might remain cautious, smaller, more tolerant institutions may decide to enter the cannabis space.
The elimination of Section 280e is expected to stimulate lending in an industry where access to capital is notoriously difficult. Most current cannabis loans come with exorbitant interest rates, making it challenging for businesses to service debt. With 280e gone, businesses will experience significant cash flow relief, enabling them to secure debt for expansion and new projects. With more lenders willing to invest in the cannabis industry, interest rates on loans may also decrease, offering businesses much-needed operating and expansion capital.
The potential benefits of rescheduling extend to publicly traded cannabis companies and their shareholders. These companies have witnessed steep declines in stock values, and most U.S. cannabis businesses trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE). Rescheduling might attract higher trading volumes and encourage more prominent exchanges like the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to accept U.S.-based cannabis companies. TSX’s current reluctance is primarily driven by risk tolerance and internal policies related to federal legality. As federal regulations on cannabis become more lenient, exchanges like TSX, NASDAQ, and NYSE could reevaluate their policies, potentially listing American cannabis companies, including Curaleaf, Cresco Labs, Green Thumb Industry, Trulieve, and others.
Additionally, HHS’s recommendation may prompt Congress to take further action on cannabis reform. Armed with the endorsement of the federal government’s leading health agency, lawmakers have increased political cover to advance bills like the SAFE Banking Act and broader cannabis reform. These bills have gained traction in the House of Representatives and narrowly missed passing in the Senate in previous sessions. With HHS’s endorsement of cannabis’ medical value and reduced harm potential, advocates for reform in Congress may intensify their efforts to remove restrictions and penalties for both businesses and consumers.
While there will undoubtedly be ongoing speculation about the specifics of rescheduling and its real-world consequences, HHS’s announcement represents a significant step towards a post-prohibition reality in the United States.
It is a development that industry participants and advocates are welcoming with open arms, bringing the nation closer to a transformative moment in the history of cannabis regulation.
