The DEA's administrative process for moving all marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III remains stalled following an September 29, 2026 stay order by Chief Administrative Law Judge Derek Julius. The pause stems from a September 23 GAO report identifying gaps in DEA and FDA written policies for conducting the statutory eight-factor scheduling analysis, including criteria for assessing abuse potential. Opposing parties in the June-July 2026 hearings moved to add the report to the record and requested supplemental briefing, prompting the government response deadline of October 13. Earlier in 2026, the DEA finalized rescheduling for FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, but the broader proposal covering recreational use awaits the ALJ's recommended decision, exceptions, and final agency action. Traders monitor these procedural milestones and any shifts in the administrative timeline for resolution signals.