Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 is the federal statute that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances. For over 50 years, cannabis was classified under Schedule I, the most restrictive category, defined as having “no currently accepted medical use” and a high potential for abuse. As of February 2026, the industry is in the midst of a historic transition. Following an Executive Order in late 2025, the U.S. government is expeditiously moving to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III.