Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Caesar
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to reclassify cannabis, according to a recent Associated Press report. This is a historic move that could have far-reaching implications for the entire nation. For patients seeking access to medical marijuana, obtaining a medical cannabis card online may become even more accessible, making it easier to receive the care they need.
Following this announcement, you might have some inquiries. What is meant by rescheduling? What effects might this have on patients who are using medical cannabis? We’ll explain the significance of the major news and what might occur next in this blog.
Breaking Down the Current Drug Scheduling of Cannabis
The DEA divides substances, drugs, and some chemicals used to make drugs into five groups, or “schedules.” The drug’s classification is based on its potential for abuse as well as its acceptable medical use. One determining factor in scheduling is the rate of abuse; drugs on Schedule I have the highest potential for abuse, while those on Schedule V have the lowest.
Cannabis was classified by the federal government as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Other Schedule I drugs include ecstasy, peyote, and LSD. This one is classified as a “drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
Cannabis would be placed in the less strictly regulated Schedule III group, which is made up of “drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,” under the proposed rescheduling. Examples of current Schedule III drugs include testosterone, anabolic steroids, and ketamine.
For the first time, the DEA has acknowledged the medical benefits of cannabis and its low potential for abuse, which makes this proposed change extremely historic.
Potential Effects of Rescheduling Cannabis
It’s crucial to remember that rescheduling does not completely legalize cannabis for recreational use. Although they are still regulated and subject to rules, Schedule III drugs are permitted for certain medical purposes. Cannabis research and business taxes would be most affected by rescheduling.
Cannabis research
In order to conduct research on Schedule I substances, scientists must register with the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. It has also become challenging to carry out approved clinical studies that entail the administration of cannabis due to its current scheduling. Rescheduling would remove those obstacles to research, facilitating better data and plant education access and paving the way for a thorough investigation of the potential medical advantages of cannabis.
Cannabis business taxes
If the rescheduling is approved, state-legal cannabis businesses that were previously prohibited from claiming federal tax deductions under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code 280E will be able to do so. According to some trade associations, taxes may account for as much as 70% of a cannabis company’s overall operating costs. Reduced taxation could result in lower prices for cannabis products, which would be passed on to customers.
How Cannabis Rescheduling Could Impact Medical Patients
It’s unlikely that the medical marijuana programs currently licensed in 38 states and the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing, and other requirements for Schedule III drugs, according to the Associated Press.
The proposal is currently undergoing review, so there won’t be any immediate changes that affect the adult medical or recreational markets.
What’s Next for Cannabis Rescheduling?
This policy change proposal is just that—a proposal. Technically, nothing has happened yet because the White House Office of Management and Budget needs to review the proposal first. After that, an administrative judge will review it, and there will be a period for public comment. The agency would eventually release the final rule following this review and comment period, which could be a drawn-out procedure.
Explore the World of Medicinal Cannabis with Online Medical Card
As this policy proposal progresses, are you looking for updates? Are you prepared to schedule a meeting with one of our professionals? As you start your journey toward wellness with medical cannabis, do you have a question?
We are here to help you better understand and access medical cannabis, regardless of the reason. Whether you’re seeking relief for a medical condition or exploring cultivation options, we can guide you through the process. Speak with us about your needs right now! If you’re looking to grow 99 plants in CA, we can provide the information and support you need to stay compliant with state regulations.
