Federal Marijuana Rescheduling in 2026: What It Means for Louisiana

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Federal marijuana rules are changing in 2026, and patients and businesses in Louisiana are watching closely. The federal government is moving toward reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Understanding what this means is important for medical marijuana patients in Louisiana and across the country.

What’s Happening at the Federal Level

Right now, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning the federal government views it as having no medical use and a high chance of abuse. However, this year, the government will work towards moving marijuana to a Schedule III drug. This recognizes that marijuana has medical uses and a lower risk of abuse.

The federal government has officially begun the process of rescheduling marijuana. On December 18, 2025, the President signed an executive order directing federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This is a major shift, officially recognizing marijuana’s medical value and removing barriers that have existed for decades. For Louisiana patients and businesses, this change is already having an impact on how marijuana is viewed and researched.

As of early 2026, the executive order signed in December directs federal agencies to begin moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. On January 6th, the DEA clarified an important point: even with an executive order, the rescheduling process is not yet legally complete. The order provides direction and momentum, but the change must still go through required administrative steps before it becomes legally effective.

Federal agencies are currently preparing regulations and guidance, including updates to research approvals and law enforcement instructions. Rescheduling to be officially recognized within the first half of 2026, but patients should understand that the process still has steps to go before it is legally in effect.

What Rescheduling Changes

With the process underway, rescheduling is already bringing benefits:

• Medical Recognition: Schedule III acknowledges that marijuana has medical use. Doctors and patients in Louisiana finally have federal support for what has long been true in practice.

• Easier Research: Researchers will be able to study marijuana more easily, which may lead to better treatments and guidance for patients.

• Business Benefits: Licensed marijuana businesses, like dispensaries, can start to plan for standard tax deductions, helping improve operations and patient access.

What Rescheduling Does Not Change

Even as the process moves forward, some things remain the same:

• Marijuana is not legal federally: Marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

• Louisiana laws stay the same: Medical marijuana rules in Louisiana are unchanged, and recreational use is still prohibited.

• Federal protection is limited: Citizens who use or sell marijuana outside state-legal programs can still face federal consequences.

What It Means for Louisiana Patients and Businesses

For patients, federal rescheduling does not change how you get marijuana in Louisiana. You still need a valid marijuana card to access medical marijuana at dispensaries. 

Rescheduling may improve research, reduce federal barriers for businesses, and make the broader marijuana industry more stable, but patients must continue to follow state regulations. Staying informed and keeping your card active ensures you can safely and legally access medical marijuana products while federal policy continues to evolve.

Final Thoughts

Federal rescheduling in 2026 marks a major shift in how marijuana is recognized at the national level. While it doesn’t change Louisiana’s day-to-day rules, it supports safer access, encourages research, and helps marijuana businesses operate more effectively. Patients should stay informed, keep their marijuana cards active, and continue following Louisiana’s regulations to ensure safe and legal access as federal policy develops.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.

Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?

Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is 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.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

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