From Nasdaq:

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration might reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, but it won’t legalize state-legal markets. Rescheduling would not bring state-legal medical or recreational marijuana industry into compliance with federal controlled substances law, and for weed to be legally prescribed, it would need FDA approval.

The federal hammer could still fall on individuals and businesses operating outside state guidelines, even with rescheduling. However, a congressional rider currently protects state medical marijuana programs from federal crackdowns. Lawmakers hold the power to alter marijuana’s legal status, independent of DEA’s decision, and Congress has the authority to do so.

The CRS report serves as a reminder that the road to legal weed is winding, offering limited benefits from rescheduling, with the political will of Congress playing a key role. The report noted that a plethora of bills aimed at loosening federal controls on marijuana already exist, while some advocate for stricter regulations.



Read more: Marijuana Reclassification And DEA: Congressional Report Outlines Rescheduling Limits