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Canadian cannabis companies cheer Trump announcement

Published on January 16, 2026 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed/whitehouse.gov

Canadian companies were among those celebrating the news that US President Donald Trump plans to ease up on cannabis.

On Dec. 18, Trump ordered his attorney general to start the process of moving the drug from Schedule 1 to the less severe Schedule 3 category. Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, LSD and ecstasy — the worst of the worst, according to law enforcement.

“Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” says the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency on its website.

Schedule 3 drugs may have medical value.

“Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. … Some examples of Schedule III drugs are: products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone,” says the DEA.

The move will not legalize recreational pot federally.

A White House statement said the rules need to change to allow medical research to proceed.

“The current Schedule I position of marijuana has impeded research,” the statement said. “It is the policy of my Administration to increase medical marijuana and CBD research to better inform patients and doctors.”

The statement said more than six million Americans, including seniors and veterans, are being treated with cannabis products for “at least 15 medical conditions,” including chronic pain, anorexia and “vomiting induced by chemotherapy.”

The White House order calls on Attorney General Pam Bondi to “take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III … in the most expeditious manner in accordance with Federal law.”

Here’s what some Canadian companies had to say.

Tilray to launch new US division

The Canadian-American company will move immediately to increase its presence in the U.S. by launching Tilray Medical USA.

“The company intends to strategically expand collaborations with healthcare operators and medical professionals,” Tilray said in a statement

Irwin D. Simon, CEO of Tilray Brands, said Tilray already operates in 20 international medical cannabis markets. “This action aligns regulation with a vast body of scientific and medical data, supporting cannabis medical use and safety, economic progress, and a healthcare-focused framework,” he said.

The company statement added that Tilray offers more than 200 registered medical cannabis products worldwide, has served over 500,000 registered patients, and has participated in more than 15 clinical trials, studying cannabis for its effect on various conditions including pediatric epilepsy, cancer-induced nausea, PTSD, pain, essential tremors, alcohol-use disorder and fibromyalgia.

Thank you Mr. Trump from Village Farms

Florida- and BC-based Village Farms said it was involved in hearings as the US considered rescheduling.

“We’re proud that our actions and advocacy efforts helped contribute to President Trump’s thoughtful, evidenced based approach to enacting federal reform,” said CEO Michael A. DeGiglio. “We … believe our CBDistillery e-commerce platform, operational capabilities and U.S. production assets can help support increasing demand for safe, affordable medical cannabis products.”

“We commend President Trump for his efforts to overcome decades of policy failures and bureaucratic red tape to advance meaningful reform that will help improve the lives of millions of Americans,” he said.

Herbal Dispatch eyes online sales

“For Herbal Dispatch, this rescheduling unlocks exciting new pathways for growth and expansion,” the B.C.-based e-tailer said. “As a leading e-commerce and distribution platform, we stand to benefit from increased harmonization between U.S. and Canadian markets, allowing us to explore strategic partnerships, broaden our product reach into emerging U.S. segments, and leverage improved capital access … This shift not only bolsters our operational efficiencies but also positions us to capitalize on rising global demand.”

“This development stands as a transformative breakthrough not just for U.S. cannabis, but for the global industry at large,” said CEO Philip Campbell.

High Tide wants to export Canna Cabana brand

The Calgary-based operator of the Canna Cabana chain will be looking to expand the brand into the United States through licencing agreements.

“In parallel, the company’s hemp-derived CBD brands, NuLeaf Naturals and FAB CBD, are well-positioned to benefit from rescheduling and the potential inclusion of CBD products within Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits,” the company said in a statement.

High Tide said it will hire a New Jersey firm to boost communications with existing and prospective shareholders.

MediPharm’s ready to go

“MediPharm Labs is well positioned to benefit from this milestone through its FDA site registration, Drug Establishment License and proven experience supplying clinical trial materials to the United States,” the Barrie, Ont. cannabis pharmaceutical company said in a news release.

“Researchers publish thousands of peer-reviewed cannabis studies annually, yet full clinical trials remain scarce due to Schedule I restrictions and lack of federally compliant cannabis,” the company explained.

“MediPharm believes that no other publicly listed cannabis-focused company in North America has the company’s combination of experience, licensing and an FDA inspected facility. MediPharm was the first FDA audited purpose-built commercial cannabis facility in Canada and one of only a handful globally.”

HYTN sees opportunity

“We welcome this development in the United States,” said Elliot McKerr, CEO of HYTN, a Kelowna-based cannabis pharmaceutical company.

“Under a Schedule III classification, cannabis products intended for medical use would be expected to fall under the oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration,” the company explained.

HYTN has already received numerous manufacturing certifications in Canada and Europe. “HYTN believes these capabilities position it to evaluate potential opportunities that may emerge as the Schedule III regulatory process advances.”

Right up Avicanna’s alley too

“As a biopharmaceutical company focused on cannabinoid-based medicines, this development represents an important milestone that reinforces our long-standing commitment to standardized, evidence-based approaches to cannabinoid products,” stated Aras Azadian, CEO of Toronto-based Avicanna Inc.

Noting his company has been involved in numerous clinical studies, Azadian added: “We are encouraged by the recognition of the growing body of scientific evidence supporting medical potential of cannabinoids and by the administration’s emphasis on advancing research in this field, including real-world evidence.

“We believe this regulator direction may facilitate further clinical research, support innovation and encourage investment into the development of rigorously validated cannabinoid-based therapies.”

Canada did this already, says Akanda

“Cannabis policies are long overdue for modernization,” said interim CEO Katie Field from Toronto. Akanda operates a number of cannabis-related subsidiaries.

Field continued: “This effort mirrors, in spirit if not in scope, the pathway Canada forged with its Cannabis Act, which came into force on October 17, 2018 and created a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for both adult-use and medical cannabis nationwide … a model policymakers south of the border often point to.”

US will need a breathalyzer

The Vancouver-based developer of a cannabis breathalyzer said: “This policy shift underscores the critical need for Cannabix’s Marijuana Breath Test solution—providing an easy-to-use method to detect recent cannabis use and support public safety in workplaces and on highways.”