DEA Expands Federal Registration for Medical Cannabis Firms Ahead of Schedule III Move

DEA says it will roll out new registration forms for Medical Marijuana Manufacturer, Bulk Manufacturer, Analytical Lab, and Distributor to align with the DOJ’s phased move of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The current 60-day dispensary registration window ends June 26, and the new forms will be posted in coming weeks on the DEA Diversion Registration page. The applications will require details on licenses, security measures, ownership, suppliers, and access to controlled substances, and carry a nonrefundable $794 fee (PayPal now; other payment options to be added). The update is part of broader rescheduling actions, which include an expedited hearing process starting June 29; IRS guidance on taxes and ATF form updates are also anticipated as federal policy shifts on cannabis.