Hemp, the cannabis plant, is now legal under federal law

What happens next: While 33 states have legalized medical cannabis use, changes in federal law have lagged behind. Some advocates hope this is a step toward larger federal marijuana reforms.

• I've previously reported that there's congressional interest in medical marijuana as an alternative pain treatment to opioids.

The FDA issued a statement reiterating that it still has the authority to regulate cannabis products, and that it will take enforcement action against companies illegally selling these products.

• It will also be examining how to make approval pathways for cannabis products "more predictable and efficient," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said.

Go deeper with Brookings' explainer on the new hemp law