As U.S. eases cannabis curbs, firms may get access to IPOs and private funding

Companies developing cannabis-based medicines say U.S. moves to loosen restrictions on the drug could unlock private funding and the public markets, providing a lifeline to the struggling cannabis industry.

The U.S. Department of Justice last week rescheduled FDA-approved medicines and state-regulated medical marijuana products, making it easier for companies to bank and receive tax credits and deductions.