Where Federal Cannabis Reform Stands After 2025: What Florida Patients Should Know
If you’re a medical marijuana Florida patient, 2025 probably felt like a familiar mix of progress and “almost.” At home, Florida’s program continues to expand and evolve under the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Medical Marijuana Use Florida
Nationally, though, cannabis is still caught in a tug-of-war between state legalization and federal law—where marijuana remains illegal unless and until federal rules change.
Here’s the year-end recap of what moved in Washington, what stalled, and what’s still unfinished heading into 2026—plus practical, Florida-friendly steps for anyone who wants to stay informed (and maybe get involved).
The biggest 2025 headline: Rescheduling is back in motion
Late in 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to move more quickly on the ongoing process to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The Guardian+1
That’s a big deal in cannabis policy terms—but it’s not the same as federal legalization.
Key point: Multiple legal and policy summaries emphasize that a final rule has not been issued, and until it is, marijuana remains Schedule I at the federal level. Komorn Law+1
What Schedule III could change (especially for patients and access)
If Schedule III is finalized through the required federal rulemaking process, it could meaningfully impact the cannabis landscape—mostly on the business/regulatory side at first:
Taxes for licensed operators: Moving to Schedule III would likely remove the 280E tax penalty that hits cannabis businesses operating under state law. That can translate to more stability for regulated markets. Komorn Law+1
Research access: Rescheduling generally reduces barriers to research, which matters for medical guidance and product standards over time. Moritz College of Law
CBD and patient access conversations: Policy trackers note the executive order included directives tied to patient access and CBD-related issues—important as “hemp-derived” products keep confusing the market.
What Schedule III won’t do (and this matters in Florida)
Even with Schedule III:
It does not automatically legalize adult-use cannabis nationwide. The Guardian+1
It does not override Florida’s medical-only structure.
It does not make traveling with cannabis federally legal (airports and interstate travel remain a major risk area).
The “still need to do” list in Congress: big bills, little movement
Federal reform is still mostly stuck in the “introduced, discussed, debated” loop.
1) MORE Act: the sweeping “federal reset”
The MORE Act approach is the most comprehensive: removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and pairing that change with criminal justice and reinvestment provisions. Advocacy groups tracked a 2025 version being reintroduced, keeping it in the conversation—but it’s not enacted law. Drug Policy Alliance+1
2) STATES 2.0: protect states (including Florida) from federal interference
STATES 2.0 is more “states’ rights” than “nationwide legalization,” designed to reduce the federal-state conflict for programs already operating legally at the state level. The bill text and press materials show it was reintroduced in the 119th Congress (2025–2026). Congress.gov+1
3) Banking reform: still the most bipartisan… and still unfinished
Cannabis banking reform (often referenced as SAFER Banking) remains a consistent priority because cash-heavy operations create safety and transparency problems. In 2025, a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general urged Congress to move the SAFER Banking Act forward. ABA Banking Journal
But year-end reporting suggests the bill remains stalled in Congress, even with rescheduling back in the spotlight. Marijuana Moment+1
Why federal reform still matters for Florida patients
Florida is medical-only—and voters rejected the adult-use constitutional amendment in November 2024 after it fell short of the 60% threshold. Reuters+1
That means medical marijuana Florida patients remain at the center of legal access here.
Federal reform matters because it can affect:
Research and medical guidance (better studies = better physician recommendations)
Product consistency and national standards (testing, labeling, safety)
Market stability for licensed operators (tax + banking pressures ripple into pricing and availability)
Clarity around hemp-derived cannabinoids that confuse patients and complicate enforcement
And on the Florida side, staying compliant matters too: OMMU continues to publish updates, and Florida law has ongoing requirements tied to registry participation and eligibility. Medical Marijuana Use Florida+1
Advocacy-minded action steps (realistic, not overwhelming)
If you want to support smarter cannabis policy in 2026, here are low-lift ways to do it:
Pick one issue (research, banking safety, veteran access, expungement, patient protections).
Contact your federal representatives with one clear ask: “Support rescheduling completion + banking protections + medical research expansion.”
Use your story (briefly): “I’m a Florida medical cannabis patient. I want safe access, better research, and fewer barriers for compliant programs.”
Stay plugged into OMMU updates for Florida compliance basics and program changes.
Support regulated access: In Florida, that means shopping within the legal medical system and following your physician’s guidance.
FAQ (Green Dragon FL)
1) Is cannabis federally legal after 2025?
No. The rescheduling push is significant, but it is not federal legalization, and a final rule is not yet in place.
2) If cannabis becomes Schedule III, does that change my Florida medical card?
Not directly. Florida’s program is governed by state law and OMMU rules. Your certification, registry status, and purchasing remain state-regulated.
3) Does rescheduling mean Florida will become adult-use?
No. Adult-use in Florida would require state-level changes (legislation or another constitutional amendment). The last major attempt in 2024 did not pass.
4) Can I travel with medical cannabis if it’s Schedule III?
Generally, no. Even with rescheduling, interstate travel and airports remain federally controlled environments, and rules can be strict. If you need travel guidance, treat this as a legal-risk question and consult an attorney.
5) Will rescheduling improve medical cannabis research?
It can help. Policy trackers note rescheduling is often framed as a way to reduce barriers and expand research pathways—though it won’t solve every research challenge overnight.
6) Where can Florida patients check official program updates?
Start with Florida’s OMMU resources and registry portals.
