ARTICLE
23 April 2026

DEA Issues Order Expediting Cannabis Rescheduling To Schedule III

DM
Duane Morris LLP

Contributor

Duane Morris LLP, a law firm with more than 900 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally, is asked by a broad array of clients to provide innovative solutions to today's legal and business challenges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final order moving certain marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, marking a significant shift in federal cannabis regulation.
United States Cannabis & Hemp
Paul P. Josephson’s articles from Duane Morris LLP are most popular:
  • with readers working within the Aerospace & Defence industries
Duane Morris LLP are most popular:
  • within Law Department Performance topic(s)

On April 22, 2026, a final order issued by the Acting Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration took effect, fundamentally altering the federal regulatory landscape for marijuana. The order moves FDA-approved drug products containing marijuana and marijuana subject to qualifying state-issued medical marijuana licenses from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Though a welcome and long hoped-for action, it is critical to note this is not a broad legalization of all adult use (recreational) cannabis sales. Nor does it legalize the controversial category of hemp-derived THC products.

Read more about the order on the Duane Morris Cannabis Industry Blog.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

[View Source]
See More Popular Content From

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More