AACPN Statement on DOJ Rescheduling of Marijuana to Schedule III

The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Justice’s decision to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act:

“The Department of Justice’s decision to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III marks a meaningful, if overdue, shift in federal policy. By recognizing accepted medical use, this action begins to correct a long-standing misalignment between federal law and the clinical realities experienced by patients, providers and researchers across the country.

For AACPN, this development reinforces a core principle: evidence-based alternative therapies must be evaluated—and governed—based on outcomes, not outdated classifications. Rescheduling has the potential to expand clinical research, reduce barriers to rigorous study and support the development of standardized, medically supervised treatment protocols.

This shift also carries particular significance for veterans, first responders and other populations disproportionately impacted by chronic pain, post-traumatic stress and related conditions. Expanded research pathways and clearer federal recognition of medical use can accelerate the development of safe, evidence-based treatment options that address these needs—while reducing reliance on less effective or higher-risk interventions.

At the same time, this change is not a substitute for comprehensive policy reform. Federal law continues to lag behind state-level implementation, and significant regulatory, reimbursement and access challenges remain—particularly for patients seeking integrated, whole-person care approaches.

AACPN will continue to advocate for a policy framework that prioritizes scientific validation, patient safety and responsible access to alternative therapies. This includes advancing federal and state policies that support clinical research, provider education and the integration of evidence-based alternative treatments into mainstream care delivery—especially for populations with urgent and unmet needs, including veterans and first responders.

Today’s action is a step forward. The work now is to ensure it translates into meaningful access, better outcomes and a more rational, evidence-driven healthcare system.”