U.S. Cannabis Reform Stalls: What Does It Mean for the UK?
The U.S. cannabis industry faced a bump in the road this week as Donald Trump’s DEA nominee, Chad Chronister, stepped aside under conservative pressure. While this may slow the rescheduling process, it’s unlikely to stop it altogether. Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I (heroin, LSD) to Schedule III (codeine, steroids) is still highly likely in 2025.
This is not legalisation. It’s a regulatory shift that would unlock tax relief, investment, and legitimacy for U.S. businesses, accelerating market growth and driving global momentum. For patients, rescheduling would mean easier access to treatments, reduced stigma, and expanded research opportunities — real, tangible benefits that matter.
If rescheduling happens, the U.S. cannabis market will grow rapidly, attracting institutional investment and setting a global precedent. The ripple effects will be felt worldwide. The UK will have a choice: embrace the opportunities or risk being left behind.
For me, this is less about cannabis as most people might know it – i.e. medical or recreational. It’s about industrial hemp — a crop that can help address some of the UK’s biggest challenges. Hemp sequesters more CO2 per hectare than forests, offers opportunities for rural regeneration, and could generate billions in tax revenue. The potential is huge, but we need to act.
The UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is holding us back. It blocks the inward investment any cannabis industry – including industrial hemp – needs to scale. Without reform, the UK risks missing out on the economic and environmental benefits at a time when we can least afford it.
While U.S. rescheduling could drive reform globally, the UK still has time to act. Now is our chance to modernise POCA, attract investment, and lead in industrial hemp innovation. With the right policies, we can unlock tax revenue, create jobs, and deliver on climate promises.
This isn’t just a moment for the U.S. to shine — it’s a wake-up call for the UK to step up. The world is moving, and with a little foresight, we can position the UK as a global leader in this space.
Let’s seize the moment.
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