The Biden administration’s move towards reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug is generating discussions about potential tax benefits for cannabis businesses. 

This proposed change, spearheaded by the United States (US) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), acknowledges the medical merits of cannabis and its comparatively lower abuse potential than other controlled substances.

Tax Implications of Biden Admin’s Marijuana Rule Change

The pending reclassification, currently undergoing review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, aims to transition marijuana from its current Schedule I status, grouped with substances like LSD and heroin, to Schedule III classification.

Schedule III classification is a less tightly regulated category, which would exempt cannabis businesses from the stringent tax restrictions imposed by 280E. 

This change could result in substantial tax savings for companies operating in the cannabis sector, allowing them to deduct essential business expenses like rent, employee wages, and other operational costs.

However, this adjustment doesn’t signal nationwide recreational marijuana legalization.

Raul Molina, COO at Mint Cannabis, expressed positivity about the potential impact, highlighting the current tax code’s burden on the industry, as…