Story perspectives

Justice Dept. Moves State-Legal Marijuana to Schedule III

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III on April 23 2026.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, extending the change to U.S. medical marijuana programs.
The new schedule permits researchers to acquire state-licensed marijuana without a Schedule I license.
Licensed medical marijuana operators can now deduct business expenses on federal taxes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a hearing on June 29 to consider broader rescheduling.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, placing marijuana in Schedule I and limiting research. California’s 1996 Proposition 215 later allowed doctors to recommend cannabis to qualifying patients. Under DEA authority to amend schedules, the Justice Department recently moved state-licensed cannabis to Schedule III, opening the drug to federally approved research and tax-deductible business expenses.

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Story summary

The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III on April 23 2026.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, extending the change to U.S. medical marijuana programs.
The new schedule permits researchers to acquire state-licensed marijuana without a Schedule I license.
Licensed medical marijuana operators can now deduct business expenses on federal taxes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a hearing on June 29 to consider broader rescheduling.

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