Story perspectives

Justice Dept Reclassifies Medical Cannabis to Schedule III

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on April 23, 2026.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, permitting producers to deduct taxes and receive expedited DEA registration, and allowing researchers to study state-licensed cannabis without prosecution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold a hearing on June 29 to consider rescheduling, after 22 Republican senators urged President Donald Trump to keep marijuana in Schedule I.

History

Historical Context

President Nixon signed the Controlled Substances Act on September 7 1970, creating five drug schedules and placing cannabis in Schedule I. After NORML’s 1972 petition and the Shafer Commission’s 1972 recommendation to drop the drug, federal attempts to reschedule failed for decades. On April 23 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved medical cannabis to Schedule III, reviving the long-standing reform push.

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Story summary

The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on April 23, 2026.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, permitting producers to deduct taxes and receive expedited DEA registration, and allowing researchers to study state-licensed cannabis without prosecution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold a hearing on June 29 to consider rescheduling, after 22 Republican senators urged President Donald Trump to keep marijuana in Schedule I.

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