Denver statement about federal rescheduling of marijuana

Denver statement about federal rescheduling of marijuana

Published on April 23, 2026

The following is a statement from the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Executive Director Molly Duplechian regarding the U.S. Department of Justice announcement of the immediate loosening of restrictions on some marijuana products and accelerating the process of reclassifying the drug as less dangerous.

"We've learned after more than 25 years since medical marijuana was legalized in Colorado and 13 years since recreational marijuana sales began in Denver that marijuana does not rise to the level of a schedule I substance - a classification reserved for drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Marijuana offers some medical benefits that require further research and study, which has been severely restricted by schedule I classification.

As Denver's regulatory authority for cannabis, we welcome the loosening of certain restrictions on state-regulated medical marijuana products and the move to Schedule III. For 25 years, thousands of Denver residents have experienced the benefits of medical marijuana, and now a portion of the industry--largely compliant with city and state laws--may benefit from the same standard tax deductions available to other legitimate businesses. We hope this marks the first step toward responsible, comprehensive federal rescheduling and encourages federal lawmakers to consider additional measures that could continue to significantly reduce the illicit market.

The cannabis industry employs thousands of people in Denver and nationwide and has generated millions in tax revenue. In Denver, it has upheld its commitment to preventing increases in youth usage. As the industry experiences a recession, access to normal tax deductions could provide a crucial lifeline and help sustain its economic contributions to our city."

Medical Marijuana Licensing Data in Denver

Total active licenses for medical marijuana stores in Denver have fallen from 152 in April 2022 to 83 in 2026. License totals for medical cultivation in Denver have fallen during the same time period from 188 to 75 and license totals for medical infused product manufacturers for producing products such as edibles has fallen from 84 in April 2022 to 51 in 2026.

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