Will Marijuana Be Federally Rescheduled to Schedule III? Recent Updates

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There has been a lot of talk about whether the federal government will move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This is an important topic for patients in Arkansas, because federal rules continue to affect how state medical marijuana programs operate. Here is a simple breakdown of what is happening and what it could mean for Arkansas patients.

What Is the Schedule System?

The federal government classifies substances into schedules based on medical use and potential for abuse. Marijuana is currently in Schedule I, which is the strictest category. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use under federal law, yet this federal classification does not reflect reality across much of the country. Many states, like Arkansas, already operate medical marijuana programs, recognizing marijuana’s medical value.

Moving marijuana to Schedule III would mean the federal government recognizes medical use and views it as less risky than Schedule I or II substances. This does not mean marijuana would suddenly become federally legal. Instead, rescheduling would mainly reduce barriers for scientific research and change how the federal government classifies the substance, without changing state medical programs or creating federal access.

Could This Lead to Federal Legalization?

Rescheduling wouldn’t make marijuana legal right away, but it could open the door to the discussion. By officially recognizing marijuana’s medical use, the federal government would be taking an important step away from its current stance, which could lead to more research, public discussion, and pressure on lawmakers to update outdated laws. Over time, these conversations might push Congress to consider full federal legalization or at least create clearer rules that match what many states are already doing.

About the Bill

A bill called the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in August of this year. If this bill becomes law, it would require the government to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III within 60 days of being passed.

This bill is only at the beginning of the legislative process, as it must go through committee review and several rounds of voting before it can ever become law. Even though nothing is guaranteed, the bill shows that federal lawmakers are actively discussing marijuana reform.

Why Now?

Federal agencies have been looking at marijuana’s classification for some time. In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finished a full medical and scientific review and recommended moving marijuana to Schedule III. This recommendation did not change any laws, but it pushed the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to start considering rescheduling. The formal consideration process began in 2024 when the DEA proposed a rule to move marijuana to Schedule III, which is still under review.

More members of Congress have also shown interest in changing marijuana’s federal status, and some lawmakers say moving marijuana to Schedule III would be a major step forward and could ease challenges that states face. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in rescheduling marijuana and indicated his support for moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III. His stance adds political weight to the discussion and could influence future federal policy.

What Rescheduling Could Mean for Arkansas Patients

If marijuana were moved to Schedule III, it would not create federal legalization. State laws would still control how marijuana programs operate. However, rescheduling could lead to meaningful practical changes.

Potential Impacts Include:

Easier Research: Researchers would be able to study marijuana more easily, which can lead to better medical understanding and more treatment options.

Possible Improvements in Banking: Many marijuana businesses face banking challenges because most financial institutions avoid working with them while the substance remains Schedule I. Moving marijuana to Schedule III could make banks more comfortable offering basic services such as checking accounts and payroll. With more reliable banking options, the financial side of the industry would become safer, more organized, and easier to manage for both businesses and patients.

It’s important to understand that rescheduling would not legalize marijuana at the federal level. State medical programs would continue to function under their own laws, and federal restrictions would still apply. Rescheduling only updates how the federal government categorizes the substance; it does not create nationwide access or eliminate existing federal limits. However, this change could spark more conversations about full federal legalization, as it signals a shift in how the government views marijuana.

Where Things Stand Right Now

The bill to reschedule marijuana has only recently been introduced and still needs support before it can move forward. The federal agency review process is also ongoing and has not reached a final decision.

Due to these factors, a change to Schedule III could take time. It may happen, but it is not guaranteed. Both Congress and federal agencies will need to continue moving the process forward before anything becomes official.

The Bottom Line

There is real momentum behind the idea of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Lawmakers are taking action, and federal agencies have completed a major medical and scientific review that supports rescheduling. While nothing is final yet, the country may be closer than ever to seeing marijuana reclassified.

For Arkansas patients, rescheduling would not instantly change how the state program operates, but it could lead to more research, better financial stability for dispensaries, and the possibility of insurance coverage in the future. It is a major development worth following closely.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call, and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

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Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

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