Cannabis sales and use are high in Michigan – but federal law means research lags behind

A Michigan State University researcher highlights how federal law, classifying cannabis as a Schedule I drug, severely restricts scientific study despite high sales and widespread use in Michigan. This federal classification limits researchers to low-potency cannabis samples from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which differ significantly from products available in Michigan dispensaries. The proposed reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III, supported by an executive order from President Donald Trump in late 2025, remains stalled. This regulatory hurdle prevents researchers from studying the health effects of commercially available cannabis products on Michiganders, including pregnant women and those with chronic diseases like heart disease. Consequently, understanding the real-world health impacts of cannabis use in Michigan remains challenging.