A move to reclassify cannabis in the United States could open the door to more scientific study, but it will not remove every hurdle that has long hindered medical cannabis research, according to a clinical researcher. Raymond Palidora, a clinical researcher, said that rescheduling cannabis—changing its legal classification—would mark a major shift for research. It would ease some restrictions, allowing scientists to conduct studies more easily and potentially leading to the largest investment in cannabis research yet seen. However, Palidora warned that rescheduling alone will not fix all the scientific, regulatory, and patient-access challenges that have shaped medical cannabis for decades. Researchers still face barriers such as strict federal oversight, limited funding, and difficulties in studying the drug's effects. Patients also continue to struggle with inconsistent access and lack of insurance coverage. While rescheduling is a positive step, Palidora emphasized that more work is needed to fully integrate cannabis into medical practice and research. The potential change has sparked interest among scientists, but they caution that it is just one piece of a larger puzzle.