Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.
The Trump administration’s move to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III marks a major shift for the medical cannabis industry, with implications for taxation, research, insurance coverage, and patient access. While marijuana remains federally illegal unless Congress acts, the new classification recognizes accepted medical use and lowers regulatory barriers.
“This is a monumental shift for the cannabis industry,” says attorney Paula Savchenko, noting the change could provide tax relief for licensed operators by easing restrictions under Section 280E, which previously blocked many business deductions. She also says it may open the door to interstate and international commerce.
Public health expert Shamerial Roberson believes the change could strengthen research and education efforts in Florida. “MMERI is potentially positioned very well… to educate the public about medical marijuana and illicit use,” she says, referring to Florida A&M University’s research initiative.
Terel Newton says rescheduling could remove barriers that kept universities and nonprofits from studying cannabis. “A lot of the opportunities for research will open up,” he says. He also sees insurance coverage becoming more realistic: “Patients are more likely to come across insurance companies that will reimburse.”
Florida physician Mark Moore expects greater physician referrals but says banking remains a challenge while recreational cannabis dominates industry revenue. “If you just dump it all in the same pot, no pun intended, the banks can’t touch it,” he says.
Visit bit.ly/MMERIApril2026 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Paula Savchenko and Drs. Shamerial Roberson, Mark Moore, and Terel Newton, talking about the recent reclassification of state-licensed Medical Marijuana.
