Overview
- Attorney General Pam Bondi is directed to complete the move to Schedule III "in the most expeditious manner," with the order’s reference to Section 811 signaling a potential expedited administrative path.
- The action does not legalize marijuana, and federal restrictions such as interstate commerce prohibitions, drug-testing policies, and anti–money laundering requirements still apply unless changed by separate actions.
- If a final rule is issued, state-licensed cannabis firms would likely gain relief from Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, though timing depends on DOJ process choices, possible comments or hearings, and expected litigation.
- Rescheduling aims to ease some research barriers by eliminating Schedule I licensing, yet access to study material, DEA registration steps, and FDA standards will continue to constrain rapid expansion of studies.
- The order also seeks a unified federal framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids, with CMS designing a Medicare CBD pilot and agencies preparing guidance on THC limits and product definitions.