Story perspectives

Justice Dept. Moves State-Legal Medical Cannabis to Schedule III

4/24/2026

Center

Blanche Reclassifies Cannabis

The Justice Department used treaty-based authority to reclassify state-licensed medical cannabis to a lower-risk schedule.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order moving state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, effective immediately.
The order creates fast registration for licensed producers and permits expense deductions on federal taxes.
The DEA set a June 29 reclassification hearing while 20+ senators urged keeping marijuana in Schedule I.

Left

Blanche Reclassifies

State-licensed medical cannabis businesses have paid roughly $15 billion in excess taxes, some facing over 70 % effective rates.
The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III using treaty-based authority.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said change will enable research and give tax relief to dispensaries.
Analysts say the 280E tax removal could generate billions, create jobs, and raise wages.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasised the political opposition, noting more than 20 Republican senators urged the president to keep marijuana in Schedule I, a detail absent from Left coverage.
Center coverage highlighted the order’s creation of an expedited registration system for licensed producers and the DEA’s upcoming hearing, which Left did not address.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use, placing marijuana in Schedule I. This classification has led to state-licensed medical cannabis businesses facing high tax rates, exceeding 70%. The recent reclassification to Schedule III by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche aims to reduce tax burdens and stimulate economic growth in the cannabis sector.

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Blanche Reclassifies Cannabis

The Justice Department used treaty-based authority to reclassify state-licensed medical cannabis to a lower-risk schedule.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order moving state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, effective immediately.
The order creates fast registration for licensed producers and permits expense deductions on federal taxes.
The DEA set a June 29 reclassification hearing while 20+ senators urged keeping marijuana in Schedule I.

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