Drug-testing and pharmaceutical challengers ask court to stay medical cannabis rescheduling

Published Jul 17, 2026

A drug-testing association and cannabis pharmaceutical company filed a reply asking the D.C. Circuit to pause the federal Schedule III order while their consolidated challenge proceeds, arguing that medical-review costs, employment-testing liability and new state-licensed competition create irreparable harm; the court has not ruled. Oklahoma medical operators should monitor the stay request because it could disrupt the federal tax and DEA-registration positions created by rescheduling while also sharpening employer questions around THC testing and disability or state-law exposure.