The cannabis industry may be on the brink of a seismic shift—and it’s coming from an unlikely source: President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, Trump has publicly stated that his administration is actively reviewing the possibility of rescheduling cannabis from its current Schedule I classification to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While the move wouldn’t legalize marijuana outright, it would mark the most significant federal reform in over 50 years—and cannabis companies like High Tide, Tilray Brands, and Sundial Growers are already feeling the tremors.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a bureaucratic reshuffling. It’s a potential game-changer that could unlock billions in value, slash punitive tax burdens, and open the floodgates to institutional investment. For cannabis investors, this moment feels like the early innings of a long-awaited rally.
What Rescheduling Means—and Why It Matters
Currently, cannabis sits alongside heroin and LSD in Schedule I, a category reserved for substances with “no accepted medical use” and a high potential for abuse. Moving marijuana to Schedule III would acknowledge its medical utility and significantly reduce regulatory friction. Most importantly, it would eliminate Section 280E of the U.S. tax code, which prevents cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses. That’s right—companies have been paying taxes on gross income, not net profit.
With rescheduling, cannabis operators could finally breathe financially. According to Curaleaf, one of the largest U.S. cannabis firms, the change could save them $150 million annually. Now imagine what that kind of relief could do for leaner, more agile players like High Tide, Tilray, and Sundial Growers.
High Tide’s Global Ambitions: Germany Beckons
Among the most exciting developments in the cannabis space is High Tide’s bold expansion into Europe. In August 2025, High Tide acquired a 51% stake in Remexian Pharma GmbH, a leading German medical cannabis distributor. This €27.2 million deal positions High Tide to become a dominant force in Germany, which has rapidly emerged as the world’s largest importer of medical cannabis.
Remexian sold 7 tonnes of cannabis flower in Q2 2025 alone, representing 16% of Germany’s total imports for the quarter. With High Tide’s Canadian procurement expertise and Remexian’s EU-certified infrastructure, the partnership is poised to flood the German market with high-quality, affordable cannabis. CEO Raj Grover called the acquisition “highly accretive,” projecting an additional C$100 million in annual revenue and significant EBITDA gains.
If Trump’s rescheduling goes through, High Tide’s international footprint could become even more valuable. Investors are already taking notice: analysts have upgraded the stock with a Buy rating and a C$4.50 price target.
Tilray: The Global Titan Ready to Roar
Tilray Brands (NASDAQ: TLRY) is no stranger to volatility, but the recent buzz around rescheduling has sent its stock soaring—up over 130% in just three months. Why? Because Tilray is uniquely positioned to capitalize on regulatory reform.
With operations in over 20 countries and a diversified portfolio that includes cannabis, wellness, and alcohol, Tilray offers investors a de-risked entry into the cannabis boom. The company holds over $256 million in cash and has repaid $100 million in debt, making it one of the most financially stable players in the space.
If cannabis is reclassified as Schedule III, Tilray’s valuation could explode. Analysts project that revenues could double from $821 million to $1.65 billion within three years, with valuation multiples expanding from 1.8x to potentially 5x trailing revenues. That’s a 400% upside—no wonder insiders like CEO Irwin Simon are buying shares on the open market.
Sundial Growers: The Underdog with U.S. Exposure
Sundial Growers (NASDAQ: SNDL) may not have Tilray’s global reach or High Tide’s retail dominance, but it has something just as valuable: a clever workaround for U.S. market exposure. Through its joint venture SunStream Bancorp, Sundial has legally acquired stakes in distressed U.S. cannabis companies without violating Nasdaq listing rules.
With the DEA’s endorsement of rescheduling and Trump’s renewed interest, Sundial’s U.S. assets could become goldmines. The company has already taken over majority equity positions in firms like Parallel and Skymint, setting the stage for explosive growth if federal reform materializes.
Sundial’s market cap sits at $618 million, but that could change rapidly. As cannabis becomes more mainstream, Sundial’s hybrid model—combining Canadian retail, U.S. debt investments, and liquor distribution—could attract a new wave of investors.
The Market Is Already Reacting
Pot stocks have been rallying across the board. Tilray jumped from $0.65 to $1.03 in just five trading days. High Tide’s expansion into Germany has analysts projecting record Q3 revenue and EBITDA. Sundial surged 6.67% in a single day on news of its U.S. maneuvering.
This isn’t just hype—it’s the beginning of a re-rating. If Trump follows through, cannabis stocks could finally shed their “speculative” label and enter the realm of legitimate growth investments.
A New Era for Cannabis
Trump’s potential rescheduling of cannabis isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a cultural moment. It signals that the federal government is finally catching up to public sentiment and global trends. For companies like High Tide, Tilray, and Sundial Growers, it’s a chance to scale, innovate, and thrive.
Investors, take note: the green wave is coming. And this time, it’s not just smoke—it’s fire.
