# AM Policy Update: DEA Scheduling and Cannabis Rescheduling March 16, 2026

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/dea-scheduling-cannabis-rescheduling-march-16-2026/
> **Published:** 2026-03-16T07:31:38-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:07:00-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Explore the DEA scheduling cannabis rescheduling update from March 16, 2026, including regulatory impacts on cannabis medicine and controlled substances.

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AM Policy UpdateMarch 16, 2026. 20 regulatory items from Federal Register, regulations.gov, and regulatory RSS feeds.
Score 85Federal Register

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05064/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i)

The DEA temporarily placed bromazolam, a benzodiazepine analog, into Schedule I controlled substances to prevent abuse and distribution while the agency evaluates its scheduling status.

[Read more →](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05064/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Butonitazene, Flunitazene, and Metodesnitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0011)

The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (butonitazene, flunitazene, and metodesnitazene) into Schedule I, establishing the highest drug control classification for substances with no accepted medical use.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0011)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Ethylphenidate in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0013)

# Regulatory Summary

The DEA placed ethylphenidate, a controlled substance analog, in Schedule I, establishing it as having high abuse potential with no accepted medical use, relevant to [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) through controlled substance scheduling precedents.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0013)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0118-0001)

The DEA temporarily placed N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene in Schedule I, restricting their legal use; this action is minimally relevant to cannabis medicine as it addresses synthetic opioids rather than [cannabinoid therapeutics](https://cedclinic.com/medcan3-trial-cancer-symptoms/).

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0118-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Importer of Controlled-Biopharmaceutical(2024-20085)DEA1425](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0112-0001)

# Regulatory Summary

DEA registration 2024-20085 authorizes an entity to import controlled biopharmaceutical substances, including cannabis-derived medicines, for research, manufacturing, or distribution purposes under federal Drug Enforcement Administration oversight.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0112-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene and N-Piperidinyl Etonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0147-0003)

The DEA temporarily placed two synthetic opioids (N-Desethyl Isotonitazene and N-Piperidinyl Etonitazene) into Schedule I, addressing emerging drugs of abuse rather than cannabis medicine regulation.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0147-0003)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0059-0001)

# Regulatory Summary

The DEA proposed rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging medical utility while maintaining federal control and enabling further [cannabis research](https://cedclinic.com/pediatric-cannabis-certification-care-children/) and pharmaceutical development.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0059-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Etodesnitazene, N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene, and Protonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0006)

The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (etodesnitazene, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, and protonitazene) into Schedule I, establishing they have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, affecting cannabis medicine regulations minimally.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0006)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Butonitazene, Flunitazene, and Metodesnitazene Substances in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0007)

The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (butonitazene, flunitazene, and metodesnitazene) into Schedule I due to abuse potential, with indirect relevance to cannabis medicine through controlled substance scheduling precedent.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0007)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 2-Methyl AP-237 in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0026-0001)

The DEA placed 2-Methyl AP-237, a synthetic opioid analog, into Schedule I, establishing it as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use, relevant to cannabis medicine regulation frameworks.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0026-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0168-0001)

The DEA placed two synthetic amphetamine derivatives (DOI and DOC) into Schedule I, establishing they have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, relevant to cannabis medicine by clarifying federal drug scheduling standards.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0168-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of MDMB–4en–PINACA, 4F–MDMB–BUTICA, ADB–4en–PINACA, CUMYL–PEGACLONE, 5F–EDMB–PICA, and MMB–FUBICA into Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0049-0004)

The DEA temporarily placed six synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I, classifying them as controlled substances with no accepted medical use, affecting [cannabis medicine research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-neuromuscular-communication-benefits/) and legal cannabinoid product regulation.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0049-0004)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Ethylphenidate in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0001)

The DEA placed ethylphenidate, a synthetic stimulant, in Schedule I due to abuse potential, establishing regulatory precedent for synthetic drug classification relevant to controlled substance scheduling frameworks.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Metonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0005)

The DEA placed metonitazene, a synthetic opioid, in Schedule I due to abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use, establishing baseline controlled substance regulations applicable to pharmaceutical development.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0005)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement ofEtizolam, Flualprazolam, Clonazolam, Flubromazolam, and Diclazepam in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2022-0145-0004)

The DEA temporarily placed five benzodiazrazepine analogues (etizolam, flualprazolam, clonazolam, flubromazolam, diclazepam) into Schedule I, restricting their legal status despite limited relevance to cannabis medicine regulation.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2022-0145-0004)Score 85Regulations.gov

[Importer of Controlled Substances Application Biopharmaceutical Research Company – DEA1224](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0096-0001)

# Regulatory Summary

A biopharmaceutical research company applied for DEA registration to import controlled substances, enabling legal acquisition of cannabis-derived compounds for pharmaceutical research and development purposes.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0096-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov

[Importer of Controlled-Bright Green(2024-20083)DEA1426](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0111-0001)

# Regulatory Summary

DEA Form 1426 approval grants an importer authorization to legally import controlled substances, including cannabis-derived medicines, under strict DEA oversight and compliance requirements.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0111-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov

[Importer of Controlled-Cambridge Isotope(2024-20082)DEA1429](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0110-0001)

# Regulatory Summary

DEA registration 2024-20082 permits Cambridge Isotope Laboratories to import controlled cannabis-derived substances for legitimate research, pharmaceutical development, and analytical purposes.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0110-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov

[Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Calendar Year 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; etc.](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0045)

CMS issued final payment policy guidance for 2025 Medicare Part B services, potentially affecting reimbursement codes and coverage determinations relevant to cannabis-derived medical products under federal Medicare and Medicaid programs.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0045)Score 70Regulations.gov

[Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1807-P)](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0001)

This CMS proposed rule establishes 2025 payment policies for Medicare Part B services but does not directly address cannabis medicine reimbursement, maintaining existing exclusions of cannabis from Medicare coverage.

[Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0001)

Clinical Commentary

 Dr. Caplan’s Take
 # Clinical Reflection on Recent DEA Scheduling Actions

As a cannabis medicine physician, I note that of these 20 policy items, only item 7 directly addresses cannabis rescheduling, while the remaining 19 focus on synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and designer drugs, which suggests the DEA’s current enforcement priorities are directed toward more acutely dangerous substances rather than cannabis itself. This regulatory landscape may create a window for evidence-based cannabis research and clinical practice to advance, particularly if rescheduling proceeds, though the proliferation of synthetic cannabinoid placements (item 12) indicates ongoing concern about unregulated cannabis analogs that circumvent legal frameworks. For my practice, this means the immediate clinical focus should remain on educating patients about pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products while advocating for research that distinguishes [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/)

Drug SchedulingControlled SubstancesDEA RegulationsOpioid AnaloguesSynthetic Drugs

 

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[AM Policy Update: March 15, 2026](https://cedclinic.com/dea-scheduling-cannabis-policy-march-15-2026/)

Review the previous day's policy updates to understand the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation and controlled substances.

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).