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 a forward-looking discussion on the future of legalization and cannabis policy.Chapters: Watch Cannabis Legalization Newswww.youtube.com/@CannabisLegalizationNewsLearn more about Thomas Howardhttps://cannabisindustrylawyer.comVisit Collateral Basehttps://collateralbase.comConnect with Tomwww.linkedin.com/in/thomas-howard-attorney Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/CannabichemBe sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert conversations on cannabis science, federal policy updates, and industry trends.Sign Up for Emails!  www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org   Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichemhttps://instagram.com/cannabichemhttps://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices