The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) this week began handing out the first of hundreds of federal registrations to qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, and Trulieve and Vireo Growth said they were among the first operators to benefit.
"Today marks another historic milestone for patients, physicians, and Trulieve, made possible by the bold action taken by the Trump Administration on common sense cannabis reform," said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers in a statement. "Federal reclassification of state licensed medical marijuana opens the door for clinical research while creating a level playing field for responsible operators like Trulieve. We appreciate the DEA's work to advance this historic change and its continued engagement with state-licensed medical cannabis operators as the new federal framework is implemented."
Vireo Growth said it received registrations for all 41 of its medical cannabis dispensaries in Florida.
“Florida is one of our key markets, and we are pleased to have received these registrations,” said Vireo CEO John Mazarakis in a statement. “We appreciate the DEA’s efforts in advancing this process and welcome continued progress toward a federal regulatory framework that recognizes responsible, state-licensed cannabis operators and supports a more stable and sustainable industry.”
The initial registrations include more than 900 dispensaries across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The U.S. Justice Department said each dispensary was required to satisfy applicable federal requirements, including successful completion of DEA’s pre-registration investigation, before receiving federal registration.
The DEA said it will continue processing dispensary applications and issuing registrations to qualifying dispensaries through a phased registration process. The agency is also reviewing registration applications from medical marijuana manufacturers and distributors, which supply medical marijuana to dispensaries. Those applications require additional review, including facility inspections, production controls, and quota determinations.
