The federal government could legalize marijuana in the [next five years](https://cheddar.com/videos/bill-weld-dominoes-are-falling-to-legalize-weed), said the former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld. Though, he said states should be able to decide the issue for themselves.
"Once you can do research on it, the arguments against it are going to be increasingly slim," said Weld on Thursday in an interview with Cheddar.
There are 29 states that allow medicinal use of cannabis, and nine states that have legalized recreational use of marijuana.
"We'd like to see cannabis descheduled as a Class I narcotic in Washington so that states would be free to do what they want," said Weld. "Right now there's a rub between federal and state law enforcement."
Weld and the former House Speaker John Boehner joined the board of the cannabis producer Acreage Holdings last week.
Boehner had long been an opponent of legal marijuana, but Weld said his new colleague changed his mind because the public's perception of the drug had changed.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/bill-weld-joins-acreage-board).
Business research group The Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index increased two months in a row.
Grant Buckholt, financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, joined Cheddar News to discuss what exactly a holiday bonus entails and provided tips on how to budget it.
New car sales in the U.S. are forecasted to grow next year.
Many of us will look to chart a path to tackling finances as the New Year arrives. Jamila Souffrant, author of "Your Journey to Financial Freedom," joined Cheddar News to discuss steps on what to take if you're looking to take control of your life for financial freedom.
If you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment system, Vizio may have you covered, especially this holiday season. Phil Schneider, head of device sales with Vizio, spoke with Cheddar News about what's currently in demand.
There are reports that Warner Brothers Discovery and Paramount have held talks to join forces. Cheddar News breaks it down to discuss what this could mean for the media landscape and for viewers.
Thursday kicks off the busiest holiday travel period of the year.
SiriusXM is facing a new lawsuit for allegedly trapping customers into subscription plans.
IKEA says it expects shipping delays and other product availability issues due to ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
There are multiple reports that talks are underway for a potential merger of Warner Brothers Discovery and Paramount Global.
