2026 will be a turning point for medical cannabis and cannabinoid policy—and patients can’t be left behind.
President Trump’s recent Executive Order acknowledges that cannabis has medical value and directs the DOJ to advance the rescheduling process while instructing HHS to expand research, including real-world evidence related to hemp-derived cannabinoid products. That matters—but it is not comprehensive reform.
The Americans for Safe Access 2025 Federal Medical Cannabis Policy Update & 2026 Outlook explains why decisions made next year—through appropriations, rulemaking, and congressional action—will determine whether patients gain stability or lose access.
If Congress assumes the Executive Order or even rescheduling “solves” the medical cannabis issue, patients will pay the price.
Why This Matters
Executive action does not protect patients.
Rescheduling and research directives do not:
- Legalize medical cannabis
- Create a federal access pathway
- Integrate care into US Health Care
- Protect patients from discrimination or loss of benefits
Only Congress can do that.
Access at risk…
New federal hemp restrictions passed in FY2026 will take effect in November 2026. Millions of patients rely on hemp-derived cannabinoid products today—especially in states without functional medical cannabis programs.
State medical cannabis programs are shielded from federal interference only through annual appropriations. FY2026 funding bills threaten those protections again.
Take Action: Email Your Members of Congress Now.
The question before policymakers is no longer whether cannabis has medical value. The question is whether patients will have safe, consistent, and affordable access—or be stranded between executive signals and congressional inaction.
Patients should be at the table when decisions are made about our medicine. Let's make sure we get a seat!
Personalize the template email below. The template language includes a link to this ASA Congressional Briefing Memo, so feel free to focus on how these policies affect you.
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