DEA expects timely medical cannabis registration applicants to have verified trading partners and compliant supply chains (Diversion Control guidance)

DEA's Diversion Control Division guidance of October 30, 2026, issued alongside the first federal registrations of more than 900 medical cannabis dispensaries, says state licensees that applied for DEA registration between April 28 and June 26, 2026 are expected to verify that their trading partners are timely applicants or DEA registrants and to establish compliant supply chains no later than November 29, 2026. The guidance does not have the force of law, but DEA says dealing with anyone outside that circle could be grounds for denying an application or revoking a registration. Inventory acquired before the guidance may still be dispensed and distributed.

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