Understanding What Schedule III Could Mean for Medical Cannabis Patients
Watch the full conversation with Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access
Since the Attorney General's order related to medical cannabis was announced, much of the conversation has focused on what it could mean for businesses—from taxes and licensing to banking and compliance. Those are important discussions, but they're only part of the picture.
The order is rooted in the recognition of cannabis for medical use, making it equally important to understand what these developments may mean for patients and state medical cannabis programs.
To explore those questions, The Cannabis Alliance recently welcomed Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), for a member presentation examining the legal, regulatory, and practical implications of the Attorney General's action. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in medical cannabis policy, Steph offers context for where federal policy stands today and where it may be headed next.
Watch the full presentation
Topics Covered
During the presentation, Steph discusses a number of issues that are likely to shape the next phase of medical cannabis policy, including:
How the Attorney General's order relates to the ongoing DEA Schedule III rulemaking process.
What the order could mean for registered medical cannabis patients and state medical cannabis programs.
The distinction between medical cannabis and adult-use cannabis under current federal law.
Questions surrounding DEA registration, medical-only supply chains, and implementation in states with integrated medical and adult-use markets like Washington.
How federal disability, housing, and healthcare protections may apply as implementation continues to develop.
The role Congress will likely play in addressing issues that remain unresolved, including taxation, interstate commerce, and broader legalization.
Why Washington Should Pay Attention
Washington has long operated an integrated cannabis system, where many patients obtain their medicine through the broader regulated marketplace. As federal policy evolves, states like ours may face new questions about how medical programs are structured, how patients access products, and how state systems align with emerging federal requirements.
Whether you're a patient, licensee, healthcare provider, or policymaker, understanding these issues will become increasingly important as additional federal guidance is released.
Looking Ahead
While many questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear: cannabis policy continues to evolve at both the federal and state levels. Conversations like this help provide context, identify areas of uncertainty, and prepare stakeholders for the decisions that may lie ahead.
We're grateful to Steph Sherer and Americans for Safe Access for sharing their expertise with our members, and we encourage anyone interested in medical cannabis policy to watch the full presentation.
Steph also shared her presentation slides with attendees, along with additional educational resources available through Americans for Safe Access.
Join Us This November
The conversation doesn't end here.
On Thursday, November 19, The Cannabis Alliance will host the Medical Cannabis Summit, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, regulators, researchers, and industry leaders to continue exploring the future of medical cannabis in Washington and beyond.
We hope you'll join us.