Navigating Schedule III: A Conversation Worth Having
Over the last several weeks, I've had dozens of conversations with cannabis business owners, attorneys, regulators, policymakers, and patients about the Department of Justice's recent Schedule III order. Almost every conversation has ended in the same place: more questions than answers.
For Washington businesses, the challenge is particularly acute. Unlike many states, Washington doesn't have a separate medical cannabis licensing system—we operate under an integrated framework where medical and adult-use cannabis exist side by side. That reality has created significant uncertainty as businesses try to understand what the federal order means for them, whether they should pursue DEA registration, and what the risks and opportunities may be.
To help bring some clarity, The Cannabis Alliance recently hosted a webinar featuring five attorneys who have spent years working at the intersection of cannabis law, regulation, and policy: Hannah King, Christopher Lynch, Alexis Hartwell-Gobeske, Mitzi Vaughn, and Drew Davis.
What emerged from the conversation was not a single consensus answer, but a thoughtful exploration of the questions businesses should be asking themselves right now. The panelists approached the order from different perspectives, highlighting both the opportunities and the uncertainties created by this new federal framework. They discussed the practical realities of Washington's integrated market, the challenges posed by the state's lack of a distinct medical licensing pathway, and the potential implications of registering—or choosing not to register—with the DEA.
Perhaps the most important takeaway was that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What makes sense for one business may not make sense for another. The circumstances, risk tolerance, business model, and long-term goals of each operator matter. And while many questions remain unresolved, the decisions being made today could have lasting consequences for businesses and patients alike.
If you weren't able to join us live, we encourage you to watch the recording. The discussion offers a valuable look at one of the most significant federal cannabis developments in decades.
As this process continues to unfold, we'll keep working with state agencies, elected officials, patients, and industry stakeholders to advocate for clarity, practical solutions, and a framework that reflects the realities of Washington's cannabis system.