Author: Thomas Howard

a seasoned cannabis business attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate with over a decade of hands-on experience navigating complex cannabis regulations across the United States. As the founder of Cannabis Industry Lawyer and co-host of Cannabis Legalization News, Tom has helped clients win cannabis licenses in multiple states, advised startups from seed to sale, and litigated key industry cases involving constitutional challenges and regulatory disputes. He’s personally built and launched cannabis businesses, giving him a rare combination of legal expertise and real-world operational insight. Tom has studied thousands of pages of cannabis laws and rules, testified on legalization issues, and regularly appears in media to break down developments in plain English. His mission: to fight outdated prohibition, empower entrepreneurs, and provide trustworthy, actionable information to anyone building a future in the legal cannabis industry.

Opening a Cannabis Dispensary in Illinois: Nearly $1 Million and a Maze of Regulations

Opening a cannabis dispensary in Illinois is far from a simple business venture, according to Thomas, the owner of a new dispensary who recently broke down the true costs and challenges in a detailed video. Contrary to the popular belief that dispensary owners are “printing money,” Thomas reveals that launching such a business can […]

MORE Act 3.0

introduction: MORE Act 3.0 Welcome to another comprehensive edition of Cannabis Legalization News. As we traverse through the slow news of Labor Day weekend, we find ourselves at the cusp of significant developments. While the week may have been slow for some, the cannabis news circuit offers much to unpack. From the resurgence of the […]

Did Trump Just Flip On Weed?

[lyte id=”nTk8F_Qdx6w”] Did Trump Just Flip On Weed? Exploring the Future of Cannabis Legalization In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis legalization, a surprising turn of events places Donald Trump at the forefront of the conversation. The burning question on everyone’s mind is: Did Trump just flip on weed? According to recent political reports, the former […]

Trump Teases Cannabis Rescheduling While Texas Pushes THC Ban

Cannabis Legalization News – Week Ending August 17, 2025 Cannabis policy is shifting fast. Former President Donald Trump suggested marijuana may soon be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III, while Texas lawmakers move aggressively to ban hemp-derived THC. Trucking lobbyists are pushing back, pharmacists are preparing for a new role, and new research highlights […]

Understanding Cannabis Rescheduling: Key Points from WSJ and Trump

Understanding cannabis rescheduling is critical for anyone following U.S. drug policy and the legal cannabis industry. Moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act would acknowledge its medical value, remove the harsh 280E tax burden on businesses, and potentially expand research opportunities. However, it would not automatically legalize state dispensaries […]

Cannabis Legalization News Update: Key Developments and Insights for July 27, 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis policy, staying informed about federal and state-level changes is essential for stakeholders, advocates, and industry professionals. This week’s cannabis legalization news highlights significant shifts at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ongoing debates surrounding marijuana rescheduling, a pivotal Supreme Court case, and advocacy efforts from organizations like the Last […]

Cannabis Legalization News: Updates on Federal Changes and Industry Trends

The cannabis industry is at a pivotal point, facing significant potential changes and ongoing legislative developments. As marijuana rescheduling discussions continue, with the possibility of moving from Schedule I to Schedule III, new opportunities—and challenges—emerge. In this blog post, we’ll cover key updates on cannabis legalization efforts, federal legislative changes, and industry trends impacting stakeholders […]

Federal Prosecutors Tell Biden Not to Reschedule Cannabis

The Debate Over Marijuana Reclassification: Perspectives from Former U.S. Attorneys Understanding the Controversy: Marijuana’s Place in Federal Law In a significant development in the ongoing debate over marijuana’s legal status in the United States, former U.S. Attorneys have voiced their concerns regarding the proposed reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This move, recommended […]

Schedule III Marijuana News | Cannabis Legalization Updates

Understanding the Rescheduling of Cannabis Under the Controlled Substances Act Introduction The recent recommendation by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance marks a significant shift in the legal landscape of cannabis in the United States. This move, which comes after an in-depth analysis to evaluate the […]

OHIO Cannabis Legalization 2023: What Could The State’s NEW Law Mean for Ohioans?

Navigating Ohio’s New Cannabis Law: A Comprehensive Breakdown Introduction Welcome to a deep dive into Ohio’s transformative journey towards cannabis legalization. As the landscape of cannabis legislation evolves, Ohio stands at the forefront with progressive steps that are reshaping the state’s legal history. This article, inspired by the in-depth analysis from Cannabis Legalization News, offers […]