The recent executive order doesn't legalize marijuana in any way.
JACKSON, Miss. - An executive order signed by President Donald Trump is set to fast-track the reclassification of cannabis. The recent executive order doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, Robert Welch, director of the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education at Ole Miss, said.
“A common misconception that we hear a lot is that, oh, it’s Schedule III now...so we can just go buy these products over the counter or at a pharmacy, but that’s not what it’s intended to do,” Welch said.Welch said the reclassification will help researchers determine potential health benefits. “This is gonna really help us and all researchers in the country really kind of open some doors into obtaining these compounds because it’s going to be less restrictive,” he said. Four cannabis-based drugs are already on the market for patients with specific qualifying conditions. Those are available outside the medical marijuana program since they have FDA approval. “There’s going to be a lot more companies now that are interested in pursuing drugs that are cannabis based because they don’t have to meet those Schedule I requirements anymore. So it’s going to lead to further drug development,” Welch said.William Chism, CEO of River Remedy, said there’s more at stake on the business side. “Once the rule is finalized, which is likely in 2026, medical cannabis businesses will no longer be subject to a really punitive tax revision,” Chism said. Chism said the state’s medical program won’t see changes, but the reclassification provides validation for patients. “It’s validation for so many patients in Mississippi and millions across the country who already benefit from this product medically. It certainly helps with reducing the stigma associated with the product in the industry. And I think that it opens up the door for more people to consider this an option for them and their medical journeys,” he said. No changes will be immediate, and patients will still use the same process to get a card and products in Mississippi.See a spelling or grammar error in our story? PleaseCopyright 2025 WLBT. All rights reserved.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Google executive addresses calls to slow AI, highlights security and energy focusGoogle executive urges responsible AI development, citing collaborations brought about by President Donald Trump's 'Genesis Mission' for energy and cybersecurity innovation.
Read more »
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman claims Hochul failing on subway crime after weekend knife attacksToday's Video Headlines 12/21/25
Read more »
Executive ghostwriter shares how to brag more effectively on LinkedInBusiness Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.
Read more »
Ripple Executive: Future Has Never Looked BrighterRipple's Managing Director of Middle East and Africa reflects on the company's journey so far, saying the future has never been brighter.
Read more »
Nassau County Executive, Wife Indicted in Federal Corruption ProbeNassau County Executive Ed Mangano, his wife and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto have been indicted on corruption-related counts for allegedly…
Read more »
Texas hemp business leaders applaud Trump’s executive order rescheduling cannabisMarijuana plants grow in an indoor facility. The Texas Hemp Business Council, which represents the burgeoning state industry built around THC-containing
Read more »