US Reclassifies Medical Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug
The US Department of Justice officially reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug on Thursday. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which means it's now considered to have moderate to low potential for addiction.
The US Department of Justice made a historic change to federal drug policy Thursday, reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as less dangerous. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug classifications.
Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous with no accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs have moderate to low addiction potential and accepted medical uses. This puts marijuana in the same category as drugs like codeine and anabolic steroids.
The change only applies to marijuana products distributed through official state medical marijuana programs. Recreational marijuana and products outside state-licensed programs remain classified as Schedule I.
This represents one of the biggest shifts in US drug policy and comes as more states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use. The marijuana industry is now worth $47 billion.
The move continues a trend away from harsh drug penalties that dominated US policy for decades. Many states have already legalized marijuana despite federal restrictions, creating a patchwork of different laws across the country.
This change could make medical marijuana more accessible and less risky for patients in states where it's legal. It also signals the biggest shift in US drug policy in decades, potentially affecting the $47 billion marijuana industry and millions of Americans who use cannabis for medical reasons.
The reclassification takes effect immediately for state-licensed medical marijuana programs. More states may expand their medical marijuana programs.
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