Story perspectives

Acting AG Reclassifies Medical Cannabis to Schedule III

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order on April 23, 2026 that moved state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The Schedule III classification puts medical cannabis with ketamine and testosterone and grants licensed producers a federal tax deduction.
Illegal possession or distribution of cannabis remains punishable despite the reclassification.
A June hearing will consider broader reclassification, while opponents such as Kevin Sabet say the move confuses drug-harm messages.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified drugs into five schedules, placing cannabis in Schedule I due to its perceived high abuse potential and lack of medical use. This classification hindered research on cannabis's medical benefits. Recent shifts in public opinion and state laws since the 1990s led to cannabis's reclassification to Schedule III, reflecting evolving attitudes toward medical cannabis and ongoing challenges in drug policy reform.

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Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order on April 23, 2026 that moved state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The Schedule III classification puts medical cannabis with ketamine and testosterone and grants licensed producers a federal tax deduction.
Illegal possession or distribution of cannabis remains punishable despite the reclassification.
A June hearing will consider broader reclassification, while opponents such as Kevin Sabet say the move confuses drug-harm messages.

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