US Grants Federal Validity to Medical Cannabis

In a historic move that recognizes state laws, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have ordered the immediate reclassification of cannabis regulated by state licenses from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

Federal Recognition of State-Led Medical and Recreational Cannabis

According to a press release from the DOJ during the Trump administration, "The Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today announced the issuance of an order that places both FDA-approved marijuana products and those regulated by state medical marijuana licenses on Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This also initiates an expedited administrative hearing process to consider the general reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III."

Ending the Federal Conflict for Cannabis Patients and States?

President Donald Trump's inconsistent cannabis policies have highlighted the contradictions between the laws of 40 states that permit medical use and the strict federal prohibition affecting, for example, the financial systems of cannabis-related companies. Moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III means that several restrictions on states with medical and/or recreational cannabis will be lifted.

The DOJ has explicitly acknowledged the "longstanding regulation of medical cannabis by state governments" and recognized the need for a federal policy that aligns with this reality.

This measure provides immediate certainty to patients, providers, companies, and researchers operating within the legal frameworks of their respective states, especially in light of past measures by the Trump administration that posed threats to their operations, such as recriminalizing THC in edibles.

To continue the cannabis reclassification process, public hearings will begin on June 29, 2026, to evaluate broader changes to federal law.

Trump and Marijuana: Is Legalization Finally Happening?

While this measure improves access to medical treatment, the statement emphasizes that "strict federal controls" against illicit drug trafficking will remain in place. The objective is to integrate regulated state markets into a controlled federal system that prioritizes patient welfare and public safety.

"The Department of Justice is delivering on its promise to expand Americans' access to medical treatment options," stated a representative. This change aims to enable better care based on reliable scientific information.

However, it remains to be seen how effectively this change will be implemented under the Trump administration's approach.

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