(SeaPRwire) –   MSOS portfolio manager describes the move as a pivotal moment for the U.S. cannabis industry

BETHESDA, Md., April 23, 2026 — AdvisorShares, a premier sponsor of actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the biggest asset manager for U.S. and global cannabis equities, released the following statement today regarding the Department of Justice’s final rule moving cannabis to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

“This is the pivotal event the U.S. cannabis industry has been working towards for decades,” stated Dan Ahrens, managing director of AdvisorShares and portfolio manager for the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS). “Completing the rescheduling process transitions cannabis from a policy gray zone into a clearly regulated structure. This change is significant not only on a symbolic level but also on a practical one for businesses, workers, customers, and the investment community.”

Ahrens went on to say, “While this decision doesn’t immediately resolve all industry obstacles, it eliminates a major structural hurdle. By paving the way for tax relief and greater access to research, funding, and institutional investment, rescheduling marks the genuine commencement of cannabis operating as a mainstream American industry.”

This regulatory shift signifies a crucial turning point for a sector that provides jobs for over 400,000 Americans and is active in most states. Workers in this industry have often faced banking challenges and been denied auto loans or mortgages. Now that federal policy is more consistent with medical use, state legalization, and economic factors, many observers see this as a base for future advancements, such as better banking services and more defined regulations.

The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (Ticker: MSOS) is an actively managed fund that primarily invests in U.S. cannabis businesses, including top multi-state operators. MSOS was the inaugural U.S.-listed ETF to offer targeted investment in U.S. cannabis firms and continues to be the biggest ETF in its sector.

AdvisorShares also provides the AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (Ticker: YOLO), an actively managed international cannabis fund, and the AdvisorShares MSOS Daily Leveraged ETF (Ticker: MSOX), which offers leveraged investment in U.S. cannabis stocks for active traders. Mr. Ahrens manages all three funds.

“From an investor’s viewpoint, rescheduling is not the conclusion—it’s the opening chapter,” Ahrens further noted. “It creates an environment where company performance, rather than federal policy concerns, can start to influence stock prices.”

Additional details are available at www.advisorshares.com.

About AdvisorShares

AdvisorShares is a top supplier of actively managed ETFs, offering unique investment approaches in equities, alternatives, and thematic areas. Financial advisors and investors can get more information by calling 1-877-843-3831 or going to advisorshares.com.

Every weekday at 12:00 pm ET, AdvisorShares presents the live AlphaNooner webcast, which includes current conversations on market trends, investment strategies, and new opportunities, such as cannabis. The broadcast can be viewed and joined live on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting the Fund’s website at www.AdvisorShares.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, distributor.

An investment in the Funds is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. Cannabis-related investments are subject to additional risks, including regulatory risk, market volatility, and risks related to taxation, licensing, and changing federal and state laws. Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Additional risk information is available in each Fund’s prospectus.

Cannabis-Related Company Risk – Cannabis-related companies are subject to various laws and regulations that may differ at the state/local and federal level. These laws and regulations may (i) significantly affect a cannabis-related company’s ability to secure financing, (ii) impact the market for marijuana industry sales and services, and (iii) set limitations on marijuana use, production, transportation, and storage. Cannabis-related companies may also be required to secure permits and authorizations from government agencies to cultivate or research marijuana. In addition, cannabis-related companies are subject to the risks associated with the greater agricultural industry, including changes to or trends that affect commodity prices, labor costs, weather conditions, and laws and regulations related to environmental protection, health and safety. Cannabis-related companies may also be subject to risks associated with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. These risks include increased government regulation, the use and enforcement of intellectual property rights and patents, technological change and obsolescence, product liability lawsuits, and the risk that research and development may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products.

SOURCE AdvisorShares