JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – An executive order signed by President Donald Trump is set to fast-track the reclassification of cannabis.

The recent executive order doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, Robert Welch, director of the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education at Ole Miss, said.

“A common misconception that we hear a lot is that, oh, it’s Schedule III now…so we can just go buy these products over the counter or at a pharmacy, but that’s not what it’s intended to do,” Welch said.

What rescheduling means for research

Welch said the reclassification will help researchers determine potential health benefits.

“This is gonna really help us and all researchers in the country really kind of open some doors into obtaining these compounds because it’s going to be less restrictive,” he said.

Four cannabis-based drugs are already on the market for patients with specific qualifying conditions. Those are available outside the medical marijuana program since they have FDA approval.

“There’s going to be a lot more companies now that are interested in pursuing drugs that are cannabis based because they don’t have to meet those Schedule I requirements anymore. So it’s going to lead to further drug development,” Welch said.

Business implications

William Chism, CEO of River Remedy, said there’s more at stake on the business side.

“Once the rule is finalized, which is likely in 2026, medical cannabis businesses will no longer be subject to a really punitive tax revision,” Chism said.

Chism said the state’s medical program won’t see changes, but the reclassification provides validation for patients.

“It’s validation for so many patients in Mississippi and millions across the country who already benefit from this product medically. It certainly helps with reducing the stigma associated with the product in the industry. And I think that it opens up the door for more people to consider this an option for them and their medical journeys,” he said.

No changes will be immediate, and patients will still use the same process to get a card and products in Mississippi.

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