H.R. 4963: Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025, proposes to change the legal classification of marijuana in the United States. Specifically, it aims to move marijuana from schedule I to schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

Current Scheduling of Marijuana

Under the Controlled Substances Act, drugs are classified into different schedules based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, which includes marijuana. Schedule III drugs, on the other hand, are recognized as having accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II substances.

Proposed Changes

• This legislation requires the Attorney General of the United States to take action to reschedule marijuana within 60 days of the bill becoming law.
• The transfer would involve changing marijuana’s classification to Schedule III, thereby acknowledging its potential therapeutic benefits and reducing legal restrictions surrounding its use.

Implications of Rescheduling

• Access to Medical Marijuana: Rescheduling may improve access to medical marijuana for patients, as healthcare providers could more easily prescribe it without some of the restrictions associated with Schedule I substances.
• Research Opportunities: Shifting marijuana to Schedule III could facilitate more widespread research into its medical applications, as researchers may find it easier to obtain necessary approvals and funding.
• Regulation Changes: The change could lead to revised regulations concerning the cultivation, distribution, and sale of marijuana, aligning it more closely with other Schedule III medications.

Legal and Industry Impact

The bill is likely to have significant implications for the legal landscape surrounding marijuana, potentially influencing state laws that govern its use. Additionally, a shift to Schedule III could affect various industries involved in cannabis production, distribution, and sales.

Relevant Companies

• CGC - Canopy Growth Corporation: As a leading cannabis producer, Canopy Growth could benefit from a rescheduling that increases market access and research funding.
• AAPH - Advanced Cannabis Solutions, Inc.: This company's business model could shift substantially, aligning more with medical regulations if marijuana is rescheduled.
• CRON - Cronos Group Inc.: As a prominent player in the cannabis sector, Cronos may see enhanced opportunities for product development and distribution under a new regulatory framework.