DEA Expands Schedule III Marijuana Registration to 4 Business Types Before June 26 Deadline
Updated
Updated · Marijuana Moment · May 11
DEA Expands Schedule III Marijuana Registration to 4 Business Types Before June 26 Deadline
1 articles · Updated · Marijuana Moment · May 11
DEA said new federal registration forms for medical marijuana manufacturers, bulk growers, analytical labs and distributors will be posted in coming weeks, widening access beyond dispensaries during a 60-day expedited window that closes June 26.
Last month’s DOJ order immediately moved state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabis products to Schedule III, while a broader administrative hearing on wider cannabis rescheduling is set to begin June 29.
$794 annual applications require state license details, security plans, supplier lists and personnel disclosures, even as one form asks whether owners previously handled controlled substances without DEA registration—a likely issue for many existing operators.
The rollout is part of a broader federal shift: DEA has updated controlled-substance listings, Treasury and IRS plan tax guidance tied to relief from 280E, and ATF has drafted gun-form changes reflecting medical marijuana’s new status.
Why is the government easing rules on medical marijuana while cracking down on popular hemp-derived CBD products?
With tax relief approved but banking still restricted, what is the real financial future for the cannabis industry?
How will employers balance new disability protections for medical cannabis users with maintaining workplace safety?
Navigating DEA Registration and Schedule III Compliance: What Medical Marijuana Businesses Must Do Before June 29, 2026
Overview
The Department of Justice has reclassified certain marijuana categories from Schedule I to Schedule III, requiring medical marijuana businesses—especially manufacturers and distributors in Oklahoma—to register with the DEA. This new federal rule adds oversight and administrative steps, meaning businesses must update their operations to meet federal standards. The DEA registration process involves submitting Form 225, which asks for detailed business and compliance information, and paying a $794 application fee. Manufacturers must also set a nominal price for their crops, which the DEA will purchase and resell. These changes demand careful preparation and early action from businesses to ensure compliance and maintain operations.