• Historic Rescheduling Efforts: The Biden administration advanced marijuana rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III, with DEA hearings continuing into 2025. This could improve accessibility and encourage more research.
• Presidential Support: Both 2024 presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, supported cannabis reform, marking a bipartisan shift in marijuana policy.
• Banking Reform Stalled: The SAFER Banking Act, which would allow cannabis businesses access to traditional banking, failed to pass, keeping financial hurdles in place for the industry.
• Agency Actions: Federal agencies like the DEA, USDA, and VA played key roles in shaping cannabis policy, with mixed results for consumers and businesses.
• Hemp Regulations Under Debate: Discussions on regulating intoxicating hemp products, like Delta-8 THC, intensified but remain unresolved, impacting product availability and safety standards.
• Looking Ahead to 2025: Federal rescheduling efforts, ongoing legislative debates, and state-level impacts will continue to shape the cannabis industry for consumers and businesses alike.

The year 2024 was a landmark for federal marijuana policy in the United States, full of highs and lows that have left consumers and industry stakeholders wondering what comes next. From rescheduling efforts to bipartisan support for reform, the federal landscape is shifting in ways that could impact everything from how cannabis is regulated to the products available on dispensary shelves.

Here’s a look at the most significant marijuana policy developments of 2024 and what they mean for you as a consumer or cannabis enthusiast.

A Step Toward Change Through Federal Rescheduling

One of the biggest developments of 2024 was the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommending that marijuana be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This would be a historic shift, reclassifying cannabis from the same category as heroin and LSD to one more akin to ketamine and anabolic steroids.

The recommendation kicked off a public comment period, during which over 40,000 submissions were received, with the majority favoring the change. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) then announced administrative hearings to review the rescheduling proposal further. These hearings are ongoing, with merit-based discussions scheduled for early 2025.

What It Means for Consumers:

• Accessibility: Rescheduling could make cannabis more accessible by removing some federal barriers to research and regulation.
• Taxation Changes: Businesses may no longer be restricted by the IRS provision known as 280E, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers.
• Medical Cannabis: Rescheduling could bolster medical cannabis programs by encouraging more studies on efficacy and safety.

Presidential Influence on Cannabis Reform

For the first time in history, both major presidential candidates in 2024—Vice President Kamala Harris and now President-elect Donald Trump—supported significant cannabis reform. This bipartisan stance reflects a growing recognition of marijuana’s role in modern American society.

The Biden Administration’s Contributions:

• Initiated the rescheduling review process in 2022.
• Issued mass pardons for federal cannabis possession offenses, though these were largely symbolic and didn’t result in prison releases.

President-Elect Trump’s Promises:

• Expressed support for cannabis rescheduling and medical marijuana.
• Publicly endorsed Florida’s adult-use legalization ballot measure, which ultimately failed.

Consumer Takeaway:

While Trump’s incoming administration could continue rescheduling efforts, the appointment of some anti-cannabis officials to key roles has left advocates cautious. For consumers, this means staying vigilant about potential policy shifts that could impact state-level access and federal regulations.

Progress Stalled Again by Banking Reform

Cannabis banking reform remains a significant challenge for the industry. The bipartisan Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act advanced through the Senate Banking Committee in 2023 but failed to gain traction in Congress in 2024.

Without access to traditional banking, cannabis businesses often rely on cash transactions, creating safety concerns and limiting growth opportunities.

What It Means for Consumers:

• Pricing and Access: Lack of banking options increases costs for cannabis businesses, which can trickle down to consumers.
• Safety: Cash-only operations pose security risks for dispensaries and their customers.
• Future Outlook: If banking reform passes in the future, consumers could see broader access to products and more competitive pricing.

Federal Agencies: A Mixed Bag of Policies

Several federal agencies played pivotal roles in cannabis policy throughout 2024, creating a patchwork of regulations and roadblocks.

• DEA: Continued rescheduling hearings but faced criticism for delays and communication missteps.
• USDA: Delayed enforcement of rules requiring hemp testing at DEA-registered labs, citing logistical setbacks.
• VA: Maintained restrictions on government doctors recommending medical marijuana to veterans.

How This Affects You:
These actions highlight the complexities of federal cannabis regulation. For consumers, it’s essential to purchase from compliant sources like those on Kush.com, which prioritize product safety and transparency in a rapidly evolving legal environment.

Hemp Products and Federal Scrutiny

In 2024, debates over hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC intensified. Some lawmakers pushed for stricter regulations, citing safety concerns and potential loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill. While no final decisions were made, discussions will likely continue into 2025.

Consumer Considerations:

• Product Safety: Look for third-party lab-tested products to ensure quality.
• Legality: Stay informed about state and federal laws affecting hemp-derived products.
• Availability: Regulatory changes could impact the types of products available, so choose reputable vendors.

What’s Next in 2025?

The future of marijuana policy remains uncertain but promising. With bipartisan support for reform and ongoing rescheduling efforts, there’s hope for continued progress.

What to Watch For:

• Rescheduling Finalization: DEA hearings in 2025 could lead to marijuana being officially moved to Schedule III.
• Legislative Changes: Congressional debates on banking reform and hemp regulations will shape the industry.
• State-Level Impact: Federal changes could influence state cannabis programs, affecting access and pricing.

Why It Matters:
For consumers, these developments mean potential changes in the quality, availability, and safety of cannabis products. Staying informed is key to navigating this dynamic landscape.

Navigating Change as a Cannabis Consumer

The federal marijuana policy developments of 2024 have set the stage for transformative changes in the cannabis industry. From rescheduling efforts to ongoing banking reform debates, these shifts will influence how cannabis is produced, sold, and consumed in the years to come.

As consumers, it’s crucial to support businesses that prioritize compliance, safety, and transparency. Platforms like Kush.com provide access to high-quality, lab-tested products that align with the evolving legal landscape.

Stay informed, stay curious, and embrace the possibilities as cannabis policy continues to evolve.