Sponsors (4)
Reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III would expand medical access, commercial activity, and research opportunities while creating short-term regulatory and enforcement disruptions and some legal and public-safety risks.
Patients with chronic conditions would face fewer federal barriers to obtaining medical cannabis as marijuana is moved from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing access and reducing legal risk for therapeutic use.
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers in the cannabis industry would benefit from reduced federal criminal risk and greater market certainty, making it easier to operate and invest in the sector.
Researchers and scientists would find it easier to study cannabis because lower scheduling reduces DEA and regulatory hurdles, potentially accelerating medical and scientific discoveries.
Small business owners and state governments may face short-term regulatory uncertainty and compliance confusion during the 60-day forced change, creating disruption and potential legal disputes.
Law enforcement agencies could experience transitional challenges in enforcement priorities, training, and uneven application across jurisdictions as federal offense classifications change.
Parents and communities may perceive reduced federal control over cannabis as a public safety or youth–access risk if regulations and safeguards do not adjust quickly to the new schedule.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Attorney General to transfer marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA within 60 days, overriding normal scheduling procedures.
Moves marijuana (defined as "marihuana" under the CSA) out of Schedule I into Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act by requiring the Attorney General to issue an administrative order accomplishing the transfer within 60 days of enactment. The change overrides the usual multi-step scheduling process and takes effect quickly, altering federal classification and legal consequences tied to scheduling.
Official title: To provide for the rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
Introduced August 12, 2025 by W. Greg Steube · Last progress August 12, 2025