High Hopes: Pot Stocks Blaze As Trump Eyes Rescheduling

Core Viewpoint - Cannabis stocks experienced a rally following reports that President Trump is expected to sign an executive order rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which could lead to significant financial benefits for the cannabis sector [1]. Group 1: Tax Implications - Section 280E of the tax code currently prevents cannabis businesses from deducting standard business expenses, resulting in effective tax rates often exceeding 70% [2]. - Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would alleviate the burden of Section 280E, potentially allowing many cannabis businesses to achieve profitability for the first time [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Cannabis stocks were trading on above-average volumes and trending on social media as investors awaited an official statement from President Trump [5]. - Investors can track the sector through the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE:MSOS) and individual stocks of major companies such as Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY), Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ:CGC), and others [5]. Group 3: Legal Considerations - While rescheduling would ease research restrictions and tax burdens, it does not eliminate federal criminal penalties for recreational use, and marijuana would still remain illegal under federal law [4]. - The conflict between federal law and state laws that have legalized cannabis will continue to exist [4].