There’s no doubt about it. The cannabis industry is in a unique position in the market and faces complex financial and management challenges, unlike any other emerging vertical. With radical growth in every new market as states legalize cannabis, and rigorous reporting requirements, cannabis businesses need expert guidance to ensure they come out ahead.

In a long-awaited announcement, the DEA recently released an opinion in favor of rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. While there have been rumblings for years, the new official opinion could redefine the industry…eventually. The government machine grinds slowly, which means it could still be a year or two (or more) before full legalization.