US Department of Justice reclassifies marijuana as Schedule III drug

The US Department of Justice has officially reclassified marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug, marking a significant shift in federal drug policy.

This change moves marijuana from the same category as heroin and LSD to the same classification as ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Tylenol with codeine.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order on April 23, 2026, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last year directing the reclassification.

Blanche stated that this action will enable more targeted and rigorous research into marijuana's safety and efficacy, expanding patient access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions.

Despite the federal reclassification, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and the change does not immediately legalize marijuana or affect sentences for possession.

Marijuana is currently legal in some form in 40 US states, creating a patchwork of regulations and enforcement.

A hearing has been scheduled for June as part of a rule-making process to consider broader reclassification of all marijuana products.

Once the rule change is published in the Federal Register, it will take 30 days to come into effect, but it can be legally challenged during this period, potentially delaying implementation.

This reclassification aligns with President Trump's broader efforts to reform drug policy, including recent executive orders to review psychedelic drugs for medical use.

The move is significant as it may facilitate increased research and medical access, although federal banking restrictions and anti-money laundering laws continue to pose challenges for marijuana businesses.

What remains unclear is how quickly the reclassification will be implemented given expected legal challenges and how it will affect ongoing federal and state regulatory frameworks.

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