Schedule 3, Hemp Bans, and Cannabis Law with Thomas Howard
From BIOACTIVE by Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.
February 6, 2026 · 1h 5m
About this episode
Dr. Riley Kirk discusses cannabis law and regulation with attorney Tom Howard, exploring the complexities of the industry and future legalization efforts.
In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes cannabis attorney and legalization advocate Tom Howard to unpack the complexities of cannabis law and regulation in the United States. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Tom shares how he helps clients navigate licensing and application processes for dispensaries and cannabis businesses across multiple states. Together, they explore how state-by-state regulatory systems function, the challenges of securing permits, and the financial barriers facing cannabis entrepreneurs, particularly social equity applicants. The conversation also examines the federal effort to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, discussing what rescheduling could mean for taxation, scientific research, and cannabis operations nationwide. Additional topics include the recent hemp ban and its impact on THCA products, seed sales, and interstate commerce, ongoing banking challenges in the cannabis industry, advocacy organizations pushing for reform, and legal strategies for remaining compliant in a shifting regulatory environment. Tom also offers insight into his work with Cannabis Legalization News before the episode closes with…
People in this episode
Host: Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.
Guest: Thomas Howard
Topics covered
- cannabis law
- regulation
- licensing
- social equity
- federal rescheduling
- hemp ban
- financial barriers
Keywords
- cannabis
- law
- regulation
- hemp
- THCA
- social equity
- licensing
- federal rescheduling
- banking challenges
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Cannabis Legalization News
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