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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 30, 2026Miami-Dade County

DEA issues first-ever registrations to over 900 medical marijuana dispensaries

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued registrations to more than 900 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries across seven states, following the drug's rescheduling to Schedule III. The move could allow these cannabis businesses to deduct normal business expenses on their federal taxes for the first time. The agency also announced that nearly 7,000 other cannabis businesses have similarly applied for registration.

CannabisTaxesFederal RegulationHealthcare
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Why It Matters

State-licensed medical marijuana businesses have historically been blocked from deducting normal operating expenses like rent and labor on federal taxes, a restriction that could change with federal DEA registration.

Key Facts

  • The DEA issued its first-ever registrations to more than 900 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.
  • The approved dispensaries are located in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Attorney General Todd Blanche shifted state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III in April.
  • Nearly 7,000 other cannabis dispensaries, manufacturers, and distributors nationwide have also applied for DEA registration.
  • Federal registration is expected to allow cannabis businesses to deduct normal business expenses like advertising, rent, and labor on federal taxes.
  • Businesses seeking registration must undergo a pre-registration investigation and maintain security, recordkeeping, and inventory controls.
  • Forty states have adopted medical marijuana programs, while two dozen states plus Washington, D.C., authorize adult recreational use.
  • Only Idaho and Kansas continue to ban marijuana outright.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationAmerican Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp“Trade association representing the cannabis industry.”OrganizationU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration“Issued registrations to medical marijuana dispensaries.”locationKansas“State that bans marijuana outright.”OrganizationJustice Department“Announced the issuance of DEA registrations.”locationMississippi“State where dispensaries received registrations.”locationCalifornia“First state to legalize the medical use of marijuana.”locationSouth Dakota“State where dispensaries received registrations.”locationFlorida“State where dispensaries received registrations.”locationWest Virginia“State where dispensaries received registrations.”PersonJennifer Peltz“Associated Press writer contributing from New York.”locationTexas“State where dispensaries received registrations.”PersonChris Lindsey“Vice president of policy and state advocacy at the American Trade Association fo”PersonJohnson“Associated Press reporter reporting from Seattle.”locationWashington, D.C.“Jurisdiction that authorized adult recreational use of marijuana.”locationVirginia“State where dispensaries received registrations.”PersonTodd Blanche“Attorney General who commented on regulated distribution and signed the reschedu”PersonSteph Sherer“Founder of Americans for Safe Access.”locationIdaho“State that bans marijuana outright.”PersonDonald Trump“President associated with the historic rescheduling of the drug.”OrganizationAmericans for Safe Access“Medical cannabis organization.”locationAlabama“State where dispensaries received registrations.”