President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, directing federal agencies to move it from Schedule I to Schedule III status under federal law.
The change would loosen restrictions on research and remove a major tax burden for cannabis businesses.
The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association says it supports the move, calling it “a proper recognition of cannabis as medicine” and a step toward fairer taxation.
Shangri-La Dispensaries, which operates in Columbia and Jefferson City, says the reclassification will make products more affordable and increase access for customers.
Marijuana has been listed alongside Heroin/LSD/Ecstasy since 1970. It will now be classified as a Schedule III drug, alongside Tylenol, Ketamine and Codeine.