A Justice Department order has allowed medical marijuana to be considered as addictive or dangerous as heroin or cocaine, following a rescheduling change that took effect in the US. This means that Hawaii dispensaries selling medical marijuana are no longer technically violating federal law, giving them easier access to banking and tax breaks. The change allows dispensaries to write off their expenses of their retail operations, allowing them to apply these expenses towards the revenue of cannabis. However, experts suggest that the most important change may be in the public's attitude towards the treatment of cannabis, as well as its medicinal value. The move could attract more potential patients to the Hawaii medical cannabis program, particularly those who have stayed away from the program due to fear of discrimination.