Cannabis Reclassification 2026: AKAN +34%, Federal Schedule Change Finally Happening — What It Means for Stocks and Legalization

# Cannabis Reclassification 2026: AKAN +34%, Federal Schedule Change Finally Happening — What It Means for Stocks and Legalization

> **Quick answer:** On April 22, 2026, the DEA issued a final order moving state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Akanda Corp (AKAN) surged more than 34% in after-hours trading. The change eliminates Section 280E — the tax code provision that forced cannabis companies to pay 60–70% effective tax rates — for qualifying medical operators. Recreational marijuana remains Schedule I. This is a major tax and research story, not a full legalization story.

The cannabis reclassification 2026 federal schedule change investors have waited years for has arrived — and the market reaction is telling. Akanda Corp (AKAN) surged more than 34% after-hours as traders scrambled to price in what a Schedule III designation actually means for the sector. TLRY, CGC, and the MSOS ETF all moved sharply as well. But before buying the news, every investor needs to understand exactly what changed on April 22 — and what did not.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.*

## What the DEA Actually Did on April 22, 2026

On April 22, 2026, the acting attorney general signed a final DEA order reclassifying two specific categories of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act: