Marijuana reclassification could impact Mississippi dispensaries
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug. The move, announced on December 18, 2025, marks a major shift in federal drug policy. However, the change does not legalise recreational use of the substance.
The order was signed in Washington, D.C., setting in motion a process to reduce marijuana’s classification under federal law. Currently, it sits under Schedule I, the strictest category. A lower classification could ease restrictions on research into marijuana-based medical treatments.
Before any changes take effect, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must carry out a formal review. This step is required to assess the implications of reclassification. If approved, the shift would bring financial relief to dispensaries. They could deduct standard business expenses, cutting heavy federal tax burdens. Banking fees, which currently cost up to $1,500 per month, might also drop. These savings could then fund patient support programs, such as subsidised rent, marketing, and reduced doctor visit costs. The reclassification would not legalise recreational marijuana. But it could boost Mississippi’s cannabis industry by lowering operational costs and expanding research opportunities.
The executive order opens the door for potential financial and medical benefits tied to marijuana. Dispensaries may reinvest savings into patient care and business growth. However, the DEA’s review will determine when—or if—these changes move forward.
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