On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final order reclassifying certain marijuana-related products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The order places (1) FDA-approved marijuana-derived drug products and (2) marijuana produced and dispensed pursuant to state medical marijuana licensing programs into Schedule III.

At the same time, the DOJ directed the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to conduct a formal administrative hearing, beginning June 29, 2026, to consider whether marijuana more broadly should be rescheduled.

Although this development reflects a meaningful shift in federal policy, it does not legalize marijuana at the federal level. Instead, it introduces a more complex regulatory environment with important—and evolving—implications for employers.