Federal marijuana policy has changed, but state medical marijuana programs still matter. Learn what Schedule III means, what it does not mean, and how the change may affect medical marijuana patients in your state.
Updated for the 2026 federal Schedule III changes
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice signed an order placing certain marijuana products into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The DOJ publicly announced the action on April 23, 2026.
Schedule III changes the federal scheduling treatment of qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana. It does not eliminate state certification, registration or program requirements.
Schedule III is a category under the federal Controlled Substances Act. It represents a different federal scheduling classification from Schedule I. For medical marijuana patients, this shifts how qualifying state-licensed marijuana is treated under federal scheduling, but it does not remove the need for state compliance.
Prior to the April 2026 order, all marijuana was placed in Schedule I, the most restrictive category under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Under the April 2026 federal order, qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved marijuana products are categorized as Schedule III.
Note: Broader federal marijuana policy remains complex and subject to ongoing legal and administrative developments.
There is significant misinformation regarding the federal changes. Schedule III does NOT automatically mean:
Marijuana is federally legal everywhere.
Recreational marijuana is covered by the same federal order.
Anyone can obtain medical marijuana without meeting state requirements.
State medical marijuana programs have disappeared.
Medical marijuana cards or certifications are no longer necessary where required by state law.
Patients can ignore state registration requirements.
Every marijuana product is automatically treated the same way federally.
Federal scheduling and state medical marijuana laws are separate systems. Patients must continue following the requirements of the state where they are registered.
In states that require medical certification or registration, yes.
Schedule III does not replace individual state medical marijuana programs. Depending on the state, patients may still need to:
State medical programs continue to determine how patients qualify and access medical marijuana. Continuing your participation in your state's medical program ensures you maintain access to state-regulated medical marijuana programs, provider evaluation and certification, and patient registration.
You also benefit from medical-program-specific rules and protections that vary by state, ongoing renewal and certification support, and clearer guidance for patients navigating state requirements.
Potential patient benefits vary significantly by state. Select your state below for specific information.
Medical marijuana laws and patient requirements are determined at the state level. Select your state to learn about certification, registration and how CMED can help.
Choose your state, then continue to CMED’s state requirements page.
We connect eligible patients with licensed medical professionals and help you understand the certification and registration process in your state.
Review your state's eligibility and medical marijuana requirements.
Connect with a qualified medical provider where CMED services are available.
Follow your state's certification and registration process.
Schedule III is a category under the federal Controlled Substances Act. In April 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an order placing certain qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved marijuana products into Schedule III. It represents a different federal scheduling classification from Schedule I.
Schedule III does not mean marijuana is universally federally legal. Federal and state laws remain complex, and patients must continue following their specific state medical marijuana program requirements.
No. Recreational marijuana is not included in the April 2026 order covering qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana.
Yes, patients must continue to follow their state's requirements regarding medical certification and registration.
Yes, where state registration is required, you must still register.
Federal scheduling does not automatically replace state medical marijuana laws. Your state's specific program rules still apply.
The availability of telehealth evaluations depends on your state's law and CMED's services in that state. Please select your state above to learn more.
Patients can select their state to review renewal requirements and explore CMED renewal options.
Medical marijuana certification and conventional FDA prescription processes are not necessarily the same. Patients must continue following state medical marijuana procedures.
Medical marijuana requirements are different in every state. Select your state to understand the process and see how CMED can help.
U.S. Department of Justice — Justice Department Places FDA-Approved Marijuana Products and Products Containing Marijuana Subject to a Qualifying State-issued License in Schedule III
View DOJ Announcement
Legal & Educational Disclaimer: This page is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal or medical advice. Cannabis laws and regulations continue to change and may vary by state. Patients should follow applicable federal, state and local requirements and consult appropriate legal or medical professionals when necessary.
Last Updated: September 2026