With 2025 coming to a close, The Weedly is taking a look at all the ways the cannabis industry has shifted throughout this year. 

Federal reclassification remains in limbo 

Following direction from President Biden in 2022 and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) eventually moved to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in 2024. As reported on previously, rescheduling a controlled substance is a lengthy process, and requires bureaucratic review along with a mandatory period of allowing public commentary. The DEA stated that a final ruling would likely result in rescheduling. More than 40,000 comments were received, both from people in support of rescheduling and those opposed. Hearings were slated to occur in early 2025, but never did. Followed by vague claims from the Trump administration and the eventual ban of hemp products, reclassification of cannabis remains enigmatic. As it currently stands, cannabis is still a Schedule I substance, alongside heroin and LSD. In the eyes of the government, a Schedule I substance is known to be highly addictive, with no medical merit. 

Widespread hemp restrictions hit the U.S 

Following the end of the U.S Government’s lengthy shutdown, a new initiative to crack down on hemp production was pushed through the federal government’s recent spending bill. The foreboding ban could impact roughly 300,000 jobs across the country. Hemp products containing 0.4 mg will be illegal in 2026. 

Medical marijuana to become available in Texas and Nebraska 

Texas passed a bill in 2025 to legalize medical marijuana for state residents. But as of early September, only cannabis products with “low” THC are permitted. This means that products are capped at either 10mg or one gram. Regardless, a state like Texas, that has habitually moved to bar legal cannabis, legalizing medical marijuana is significant. Similarly, Nebraska moved to legalize medical cannabis in late 2024. The state is still preparing its protocol to begin legal sales. 

Supreme Court will rule on gun ownership and marijauna use 

In early October, the Supreme Court announced it would hear a case regarding gun ownership and drug use, specifically cannabis. The case began when Ali Daniel Hemani, of Texas, was prosecuted when FBI agents allegedly seized a Glock 9mm Handgun along with marijuana and cocaine from his residence. Because the government alleged that Hemani can’t legally own a firearm if he “consistently uses cannabis” the case has gained significant traction. The appellate court ruled that the federal statute used to prosecute Hemani was unconstitutional. The case is now moving to SCOTUS, where it is slated to be heard in 2026; the results of which could have lasting impacts for those who own a gun and regularly consume cannabis.