Justice Department Places FDA-Approved Marijuana Products and Products Containing Marijuana Subject to a Qualifying State-issued License in Schedule III, Strengthening Medical Research While Maintaining Strict Federal Controls
Press release overview
Short summary The Department of Justice and DEA have issued an order placing FDA‑approved marijuana products and state‑licensed medical marijuana products into Schedule III, and announced an expedited administrative hearing to consider broader rescheduling of marijuana beginning June 29, 2026. The move aims to expand research access while maintaining federal controls and accelerates the rulemaking timeline by withdrawing prior proceedings.
Press release overview The Department of Justice and DEA recently issued actions that clarify federal treatment of FDA-approved and state-licensed medical marijuana products, opening a clearer path for research and regulatory alignment. That federal movement reduces legal friction for clinical studies and signals a more predictable regulatory environment for companies working at the intersection of therapeutics and regulated botanicals.
Each milestone is a discrete deliverable: protocol documents, site activation logs, interim analysis reports, and regulatory meeting minutes.
Why it matters This action reduces legal uncertainty for clinical research and for companies working with state‑regulated medical cannabis programs, creating a clearer regulatory pathway for pragmatic trials and product development.
In accordance with President Trump’s December 18, 2025, Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research, the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today announced the issuance of an order immediately placing both FDA-approved products containing marijuana and marijuana products regulated by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, as well as the initiation of an expedited administrative hearing process to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The new hearing, beginning June 29, 2026, will provide a timely and legally compliant pathway to evaluate broader changes to marijuana’s status under federal law. Together, these actions provide immediate and long-term clarity to researchers, patients, and providers alike while still maintaining strict federal controls against illicit drug trafficking.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is placing both FDA-approved drug products containing marijuana, and medicinal marijuana products subject to a qualifying state-issued license in Schedule III under his authority to reschedule drugs to carry out the United States’ obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This action recognizes the longstanding regulation of medical marijuana by state governments and the need for a common-sense approach to this reality.
“The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.”
“Under the direction of President Trump and Acting Attorney General Blanche, DEA is expeditiously moving forward with the administrative hearing process — bringing consistency and oversight to an area that has lacked both,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “Our men and women in law enforcement remain committed to fighting drug cartels, the fentanyl epidemic, and protecting American lives.”
Separately, the Department announced procedural updates to expedite the ongoing rulemaking process required to fully remove marijuana from Schedule I and place it into Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
Under the prior administration, a notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2024, followed by a notice of hearing on August 29, 2024. Upon further review, the DEA is withdrawing the prior notice of hearing and terminating those proceedings in order to move more efficiently toward the completion of marijuana’s complete redesignation. This action will accelerate the administrative process, include firm deadlines, and allow DEA to proceed in the most expeditious manner consistent with federal law.
DEA will hold a new administrative hearing beginning June 29, 2026, regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana. A new notice of hearing is being published in the Federal Register to govern these proceedings and facilitate a timely resolution of the rulemaking.
Today’s order is reflective of the Department of Justice’s continued dedication to common-sense policies and the prioritization of the safety and well-being of all Americans.
Why PAiNT Is a Meaningful Step Forward
PAiNT (Predictive, Artificial, Intelligence, Natural, Theraputics) is designed to bridge the gap between academic rigor and real-world clinical deployment. It matters now because:
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Practical design reduces barriers to enrollment by using streamlined protocols and remote data capture.
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Adaptive methods let researchers update trial parameters in response to interim results, improving efficiency and ethical oversight.
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Integrated data systems combine EHR, patient-reported outcomes, and device telemetry for richer, faster insights.
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Networked partnerships with clinics and state-regulated programs accelerate recruitment and real-world validation.
Together, these elements shorten timelines, lower costs, and increase the likelihood that promising therapies reach patients sooner.
Steven Smith — Comments on the Future
Summary view
Steven Smith sees the DOJ/DEA action as a structural positive for companies positioned to run pragmatic, state‑aligned clinical research. He emphasizes that execution and transparent milestone delivery will determine whether the regulatory shift translates into durable value.
Steven Smith, Inspirational Technologies / PAiNT Network
“As we step into 2026, I’m proud of what we’ve built — and even more excited for what’s ahead. PAiNT Network is more than a platform. It’s a movement. A canvas for reform, creativity, and community‑powered change. Whether you’re an advocate, a researcher, or simply someone who believes in better — thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep painting the future together.” Steven Smith – founder, Inspirational Technologies.Let the colors run wild. Let the pixels speak truth. Let the paint be wet. 2026
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