Relief, Finally? DEA Issues Order Expediting Cannabis Rescheduling To Schedule III

On April 22, 2026, a final order issued by the acting U.S. 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.

This Alert summarizes the key provisions of this landmark action and its implications for stakeholders across the cannabis industry. We will follow up with more detailed analyses of the new order specific to various stakeholders and issues in future Alerts.