Story perspectives

Trump-Backed Order Moves Medical Marijuana to Schedule III

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a Justice Department order on April 23, 2026 that reclassifies medical marijuana to Schedule III and grants state-licensed producers a federal tax deduction.
The order creates a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration pathway and schedules a hearing for June 29, 2026 to consider broader rescheduling.
President Donald Trump ordered the acceleration of rescheduling in December 2025, prompting praise and criticism from Smart Approaches to Marijuana as a backdoor to legalization.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana as a Schedule I substance, limiting its legal use and preventing tax deductions for cannabis businesses. This followed the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which criminalized cannabis. Recent actions by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to reconsider this classification reflect ongoing debates about marijuana legalization, echoing President Trump's 2025 directive for rescheduling, potentially reshaping federal drug policy.

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Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a Justice Department order on April 23, 2026 that reclassifies medical marijuana to Schedule III and grants state-licensed producers a federal tax deduction.
The order creates a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration pathway and schedules a hearing for June 29, 2026 to consider broader rescheduling.
President Donald Trump ordered the acceleration of rescheduling in December 2025, prompting praise and criticism from Smart Approaches to Marijuana as a backdoor to legalization.

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