Aloha Green Apothecary In The News:
The news is out: the federal government is officially moving medical cannabis to Schedule III. On paper, it’s a historic shift in how the plant is viewed at the national level. But at the end of the day, we know it’s really about one thing: access to the plant for everyone.
Our President, Ty Cheng, recently sat down with Hawaiʻi News Now to talk story about what this change actually looks like for medical dispensaries on the islands. While the headlines are big, Ty noted that this move might not change the day-to-day for local dispensaries or patients right away.
Watch Ty’s Interview on HNN
A Divided Milestone
For plenty of folks, this is the recognition we’ve been waiting for: cannabis is medicine, period. This change could open doors for more scientific research and smoother operations for the industry worldwide.
But for others, especially the advocates who have been grinding for full descheduling, this “middle ground” feels like a missed chance to truly end prohibition and address the heavy history of the war on drugs.
Like plenty of things in the cannabis world, it’s complicated. Organizations like the Last Prisoner Project point out that rescheduling doesn’t automatically release those still behind bars for cannabis, and it doesn’t give the retroactive relief so many have fought for. To them, descheduling is the only true goal.
We want to hear from you: We’re keeping our feet on the ground, but we want to know what the community thinks:
- Is Schedule III a solid first step, or is it just a half-measure that makes the path to true legalization more confusing?
- How do you feel about the plant still being called a “controlled substance” under this new rule?
Shoot us an email at info@agapoth.com or slide into our DMs on Instagram (@alohagreenhi) to talk story.
We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
