By Paul P. Josephson, Michael D. Schwamm and Tracy Gallegos
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. Though a welcome and long-hoped-for action, it is critical to note this is not a broad legalization of all adult use cannabis sales. Nor does it legalize the controversial category of hemp-derived THC products.