On April 28, 2026, the federal government announced the rescheduling of medicinal cannabis. The order, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is now being implemented. State-licensed medicinal cannabis businesses can register through the DEA’s Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Registration Portal.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, section 1301.13, (k)(7) Expedition., states:
The Administrator shall make every effort to process all applications submitted within 60 days of the publication of this regulation in the Federal Register within six months. Notwithstanding subsection (a), any applicant that submits an application within 60 days of the publication of this rule in the Federal Register may engage in the manufacture, distribution, and/or dispensing of marijuana or products containing marijuana for medical purposes in conformity with a state-issued license during the pendency of the application.
DEA has announced that it will continue to accept new registration applications beyond the first 60 days referenced in 21CFR section 1301.13(k). However, applications submitted after June 26, 2026, will not be subject to the expedition provision.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has requested a meeting with the DEA team working on the federal implementation plan. For now, the DEA has indicated it will share information publicly and all at once, rather than through state-specific briefings. DCC will continue to monitor federal updates as they are released, and we remain committed to supporting regulatory alignment and simplifying processes wherever possible.
Requesting a change to your license designation
DCC has streamlined the process of changing a license’s designation. Cultivation licensees no longer need to wait until renewal to request a change to their adult-use (A-) or medicinal-use (M-) license designation. The Cultivation Licensing System has also been updated to reflect both A- and M-designations on license certificates and in the license records.
Additionally, DCC no longer requires a new local authorization for requests that:
- Change a license to M‑designation only, or
- Add an M-designation to an existing A‑designation license
Licensees can request a change of designation at any time by submitting a Form 27: Notifications and Requests to Modify a License. The request must be submitted by the designated responsible party using the email address listed for them in the license record.
Requesting a separate M-designation retail license
On June 5, 2026, DCC adopted emergency regulations that allow licensees authorized to engage in retail activities with an A- and M-designated license to modify the license to an A-license and a new M-license.
The request to separate your existing A- and M-designated retail license must include the following information:
- Legal business name of the existing A- and M-license
- License number of the existing A- and M-license
- Legal business name of the related entity
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) for the related entity
- California Department of Fee and Tax Administration (CDTFA) seller’s permit number for the related entity
- Business formation documents for the related entity
The new M-license may be held by a different entity from the existing license. However, the ownership listed on the existing license and the related M-license must match exactly. Additionally, the existing license and new related license cannot share a CDTFA seller’s permit number or FEIN.
The DRP may use Form 9207: Request to Separate M-designation Retail License to submit the request or email the information and supporting documentation to licensechange@cannabis.ca.gov. The request must be submitted using the email address listed for the DRP in the license record.
Upon approval of request to separate an A- and M-designated retail license, updated license certificates will be available in the license record. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 4, section 15023.1(d)(1), licensees issued a separate M-license must hold all inventory and conduct all sales using the existing license’s track and trace account until further guidance or additional statutory or regulatory changes are made.
You must continue operating under your current license designation until the request to change license designation or separate an M-designation retail license has been approved by DCC.
The information provided on this page should not be considered advice regarding whether or how licensees should participate in the federal medicinal cannabis program. If guidance is required, licensees should consult with their legal counsel.
Additional resources
DOJ and DEA order on rescheduling
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration
April 22, 2026
Treasury, IRS Announce Process for Tax Guidance Following DOJ Final Order on Medical Marijuana Rescheduling
U.S. Department of the Treasury
April 23, 2026
CANNRA Overview of DOJ Final Order on Marijuana Rescheduling
Cannabis Regulators Association
April 27, 2026
Important updates for DCC license holders May 18, 2026
A message about federal rescheduling from DCC Director Clint Kellum
May 18, 2026
Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, section 1301.13
Amended June 5, 2026