As of two weeks ago, marijuana belonged to the same controlled-substance classification as heroin and LSD. But on April 23, the U.S. Department of Justice reclassified medicinal and FDA-approved cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, the group that also includes lower-risk, less-abused drugs such as ketamine and steroids. What does this mean for Nevada’s commercial marijuana industry? That part remains unclear, at least in the short term.

The final rule from the Office of the Attorney General places all drug products that contain marijuana and are federally approved in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The move shifts cannabis from Schedule I, alongside substances like heroin and LSD, to Schedule III, with the likes of codeine and ketamine.

Saying Las Vegas needs to use every tool it can to attract tourists and offer experiences they want during a downturn in visitation, the CEO of Fifth Street Gaming continued his push for a marriage between the casino and cannabis industries.

Cannabis' reclassification to Schedule I might signal big changes for Nevada's businesses and consumers; CCSD's Jhone Ebert inherits a changing school district; and 20 years in, local music mainstay Keith Thompson reflects upon the success of the Composers Showcase — all that and more on the latest episode of KNPR's State of Nevada.

Nevada's ailing cannabiz wants a better relationship with the casinos, the Las Vegas Sun reports. Since the state legalized REC in 2016, the casino industry, which answers to federal financial regulators, has distanced itself from the industry. The industry says that's part of the problem. The mandatory 1,500 feet between cannabis businesses and casinos keeps tourists away and invites the illegal market in.

A new executive order issued this morning by the Trump administration reclassified medical marijuana, a shift that could ease research restrictions, provide tax relief for cannabis businesses, and signal a more tolerant federal approach to the industry.

Trump’s order shifting state-licensed cannabis to a less-dangerous drug category provides a tax break for operators and eases research barriers.

Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Dina Titus (D-NV) yesterday introduced the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to the academic research of cannabis, protect universities and researchers, and promote the responsible study of marijuana.