It's  ironic that Mr. O has the power, written into the CSA law of 1970, to remove cannabis from schedule I by executive order. He issues executive orders where he has no authority to do so under the law or the constitution, but in this case he doesn't, despite his rhetoric. Why? He's (really, they're) playing politics with the issue and sizing up where the political money can be had. Maybe the beer and liquor industry will start coughing up more funds now that they feel theatened. If sched 1 falls, so goes their incentive and money to preserve status quo. Ditto to some extent Big Pharma. Putin alleged, for whatever it's worth, that DC gets doses of mexcartel $$$. No idea if it's true. They can also play popular support for legalization against political adversaries in certain recalcitrant states. With the money pouring into MMJ, that also becomes a new field to plow for political gain and money. Maintaining tensions and holding sole possession of the carrot and cudgel is the way to benefit when playing all sides against each other. Politics is a charade with one purpose, more money and more power.