Benzinga·2025-12-19 02:28Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump's executive order marks a significant shift in federal cannabis policy, directing federal agencies to loosen regulations on marijuana [1] Regulatory Changes - The order instructs U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, aligning it with common painkillers but not fully legalizing it [2] - Marijuana's current classification as a Schedule I substance has limited research opportunities, and reclassification aims to enhance studies on safety and effectiveness, particularly for vulnerable populations [4] Access to CBD Products - The order outlines steps to improve access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products, especially cannabidiol (CBD), which currently lacks a clear regulatory pathway through the FDA [5] - It directs the White House Deputy Chief of Staff to collaborate with Congress to expand access to full-spectrum CBD products while restricting those posing health risks [6] Political Reactions - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supports the order, viewing it as a positive step, but emphasizes the need for further decriminalization and easing banking regulations for the cannabis industry [7] - Conversely, some Republican senators, including Ted Budd, criticize the order as shortsighted and potentially harmful to youth [7][8] Market Reactions - Cannabis stocks initially surged following the announcement but retreated by the close, attributed to the lack of expected cannabis banking provisions in the order [9] - Despite the retreat, major cannabis stocks have seen significant gains throughout the month in anticipation of the executive order [11]