CannabinoidDisqualifying

Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms)

Brand names: Medical marijuana, THC products, CBD with THC|Last verified: 2026-09-12

FAA Pathway: Do Not Issue — disqualifying regardless of state law or federal schedule

Marijuana in all forms, including medical marijuana that is legal under your state's law, is disqualifying for FAA medical certification. A federal order effective April 28, 2026 moved only marijuana in FDA-approved drugs and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III; all other marijuana remains Schedule I, and full rescheduling is not final. The FAA's policy has not changed: its Do Not Issue list covers controlled substances in Schedules I through V, including medical marijuana. CBD itself is not specifically disqualifying, but a marijuana-positive DOT drug test caused by a CBD product is treated as positive.

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Related Resources

Pilot Tip

Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.

Certification Details

FAA Status

Do Not Issue. The FAA's Do Not Issue list covers controlled substances in Schedules I through V, including medical marijuana even if legally allowed or prescribed under state law. Your AME must defer.

Federal Schedule

Since April 28, 2026, marijuana in FDA-approved drugs and marijuana under a state medical marijuana license are Schedule III. All other marijuana, including recreational, remains Schedule I. A DEA hearing on moving all marijuana to Schedule III was noticed for June 2026, and no final rule has been published.

State Law and BasicMed

State medical or recreational legalization does not change FAA rules. BasicMed does not create an exception, and you may never fly while using a drug that affects your faculties (14 CFR 91.17).

CBD Products

Using CBD is not specifically disqualifying, but the condition you use it for may be. CBD products other than Epidiolex are not FDA approved or regulated and may contain THC, and a marijuana-positive DOT test caused by CBD is treated as a positive test.

Drug Testing

DOT drug tests still test for marijuana (49 CFR 40.85). A verified positive DOT drug test or a refusal to test counts as substance abuse under FAA medical standards for 2 years and is disqualifying without a Special Issuance.

Next Steps

Disclose any marijuana use, failed test, or drug-related arrest on MedXPress. Past use the FAA has not cleared is deferred for FAA review, usually with help from a HIMS AME.

Sources

FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: Controlled Substances (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Controlled_Substances_and_CBD_Products.pdf)
FAA DNI/DNF Table (faa.gov/ame_guide/pharm/dni_dnf)
14 CFR 91.17
FAA Do-Not-Issue/Do-Not-Fly Table (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DNI_DNF_tables.pdf)
Federal Register 2026-08176: Schedule III order for FDA-approved and state-licensed medical marijuana (federalregister.gov, 04/28/2026)
Federal Register 2026-08177: DEA notice of hearing on proposed rescheduling of marijuana (federalregister.gov, 04/28/2026)
49 CFR 40.85 — DOT drug test cutoff concentrations, including marijuana metabolites (ecfr.gov)
14 CFR 67.107 — Mental standards: substance abuse includes a verified positive DOT drug test or refusal (ecfr.gov)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms) allowed for pilots?

The FAA considers Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms) (Medical marijuana, THC products, CBD with THC) to be "Disqualifying" for medical certification purposes. Marijuana in all forms, including medical marijuana that is legal under your state's law, is disqualifying for FAA medical certification. A federal order effective April 28, 2026 moved only marijuana in FDA-approved drugs and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III; all other marijuana remains Schedule I, and full rescheduling is not final. The FAA's policy has not changed: its Do Not Issue list covers controlled substances in Schedules I through V, including medical marijuana. CBD itself is not specifically disqualifying, but a marijuana-positive DOT drug test caused by a CBD product is treated as positive.

What is the FAA status of Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms)?

Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms) has a status of "Disqualifying" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: Do Not Issue — disqualifying regardless of state law or federal schedule.

Can I fly while taking Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms)?

Marijuana / Cannabis (all forms) is currently disqualifying for FAA medical certification. You cannot fly while taking this medication. A washout period and evaluation are typically required after discontinuation. Consult an AME or aviation attorney before making any medication changes.

Important Notice

The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.

The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.