When is marijuana officially rescheduled? Schedule 3 timeline is unclear – and has risks

OG article by Chris Roberts

December 23, 2025

Uncertainty surrounds the timeline for marijuana’s official rescheduling to Schedule III, despite President Trump’s executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to act “in the most expeditious manner.” This follows the Biden-era process starting in 2022, including HHS’s 2023 medical-use finding. No fixed deadline exists, with bureaucratic steps potentially taking months. The fastest path could see Bondi cancel paused DEA hearings and issue a final rule quickly—possibly in days—but risks procedural challenges and lawsuits from opponents like Smart Approaches to Marijuana, backed by former AG Bill Barr. A court stay could delay implementation indefinitely or extend timelines by years if errors are found. Legal experts stress careful adherence to federal procedures to avoid setbacks. The $32 billion cannabis industry awaits relief from IRS Code 280E tax burdens and expanded research opportunities. Rushing may invite more litigation, while a deliberate process ensures durability against challenges.