Federal officials push marijuana reclassification to Schedule III
Updated
Updated · KRNV · May 7
Federal officials push marijuana reclassification to Schedule III
12 articles · Updated · KRNV · May 7
In Nevada, legal cannabis has generated nearly $716 million in marijuana taxes for K-12 education since 2018, according to a 2025 report.
Legal experts said moving marijuana from Schedule I could expand federally, state and privately funded research and ease some business and banking constraints tied to federal illegality.
Marijuana would still remain federally controlled, leaving a complex legal landscape as states such as Nevada continue legal markets and debate how cannabis tax revenue reaches schools.
Nevada's cannabis taxes fund schools, but why is $0 spent on youth prevention?
With billions in tax savings unlocked, will the cannabis industry finally go corporate?
If medical marijuana is now federally recognized, what treaty is blocking recreational use?
April 2026 Federal Rescheduling of Medical Marijuana to Schedule III: Legal, Economic, and Research Impacts
Overview
In April 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, following President Trump's December 2025 Executive Order, reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabis products from Schedule I to Schedule III, recognizing their medical use and lowering regulatory barriers. This change allows medical cannabis businesses to register with the DEA, claim federal tax deductions, and supports expanded medical research. However, recreational marijuana remains Schedule I, maintaining criminal penalties and financial challenges, creating a clear divide between medical and recreational sectors. The DEA scheduled hearings for June 2026 to consider rescheduling all cannabis, with potential legal and legislative impacts ahead. While the move destigmatizes medical cannabis and gains industry support, political opposition and public health concerns persist.