-- The Toronto Stock Exchange is up 6 points at midday, with most sectors lower.
The biggest decliners are healthcare (-5.0%) likely on some profit taking, and info tech, down 3.5%.
Industrials and utilities, up 2.2% and 1.4% respectively, are the best performers.
The U.S. Department of Justice has officially reclassified cannabis as less dangerous, moving licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I - which includes the most restricted drugs such as heroin and ecstasy - to Schedule III, the same category as some prescription medicines.
Reuters reports that cannabis firms will no longer be subject to Section 280E, a provision of the U.S. federal tax that prevents businesses dealing in Schedule I- and II-controlled substances from claiming tax credits and deductions for business expenses.
For its part, Tilray Brands (TLRY.TO), down 5.3%, says it is "positioned" for expansion in the U.S. as federal policy opens the door to rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.