DEA approves over 900 medical marijuana dispensaries for first time

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 22:21 · Archive

The US Drug Enforcement Administration has registered over 900 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries for the first time, following the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration has for the first time issued registrations to state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. More than 900 dispensaries in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia received approval on Friday. The move could allow these businesses access to tax benefits long denied the industry.

The approvals follow the rescheduling of medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III by Attorney General Todd Blanche in April. Schedule I classification is reserved for drugs without medical use and high potential for abuse, such as heroin. The rescheduling has largely legitimised medical marijuana programmes in the 40 states that have adopted them.

Historically, state-licensed cannabis businesses have been unable to deduct normal business expenses such as advertising, rent and labour costs from their federal taxes because of the federal Schedule I classification. Blanche said in a statement that the regulated distribution of cannabis for medical use from these dispensaries 'will help ensure broader access to chronic pain treatment and the safety of the American people'.

Businesses seeking registration must undergo a pre-registration investigation and maintain security, recordkeeping, inventory controls and other safeguards governing the handling of controlled substances. Nearly 7,000 other cannabis dispensaries, manufacturers and distributors across the country have similarly applied for registration.

How it is being reported

• DEA approvals could bring big tax benefits for medical marijuana businessesThe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has for the first time issued registrations to medical marijuana businesses.News4Jax · 30 Oct, 21:42
• DEA approvals could bring big tax benefits for medical marijuana businessesThe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has for the first time issued registrations to medical marijuana businesses.Clickorlando · 30 Oct, 21:42

In this story: Drug Enforcement Administration · Todd Blanche · Donald Trump · Alabama · Florida · Mississippi · South Dakota · Texas

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log