DEA SCHEDULE III UPDATE:

On April 22, 2026, the US Attorney General issued an order that moved all marijuana grown pursuant to a state medical-marijuana license from Schedule I to Schedule III.

The Department of Justice published this new regulation on April 28, 2026, which started a 60-day clock for any manufacturers (growers/processors) or distributors (dispensaries) to file an application for registration as a Schedule III manufacturer or distributor with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

All Oklahoma medical marijuana businesses are now required to register with the DEA.

The distributor registration application is currently open, and we have calculated the registration deadline to fall on June 27, 2026.

The manufacturer registration application is not available yet.

HOWEVER, THE DEA HAS LET US KNOW THE MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION APPLICATION WILL BE OPEN SOON.

ALSO, THE DEA HAS LET US KNOW THAT THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE, AT LEAST FOR MANUFACTURERS, WILL BE EXTENDED.

WE EXPECT DEA WILL BE MAKING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLICLY SOON.

MANUFACTURERS: WE ARE HEARING THAT YOU ARE BEING TOLD TO FILE A DISTRIBUTOR APPLICATION PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE.

DEA IS TELLING US YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT DO THAT, AND INSTEAD WAIT FOR THE MANUFACTURER APPLICATION.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT DEA REGISTRATION OR SCHEDULE III RESCHEDULING, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

Questions about Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Law?

  • Transactions?

    Buying a medical marijuana business? Selling one? Exploring a partnership with another company? Brian has an extensive history negotiating complex medical marijuana transactions and shepherding his clients through the transfer process (read his Oklahoma Bar Journal article on it here). Contact him to discuss today.

  • Regulatory Defense?

    Facing summary suspension? Revocation? A giant monetary penalty? An order to show-cause? Brian has a strong record defending Oklahoma medical marijuana businesses in OMMA and OBN administrative courts. Contact him to discuss your case today.

  • Litigation?

    Partnership dispute? Vendor refusing to pay you? Brian has been representing medical marijuana businesses and patients in Oklahoma civil courts since the early days of the program. Contact him to discuss your pr

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