Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana to Lower-Risk Category
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The Justice Department has ordered an expedited hearing to reclassify FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This change would ease research barriers but does not legalize the drug or affect current prison sentences. The hearing to evaluate the broader change is set to begin on June 29.
Facts First
- The Justice Department (DOJ) will hold an expedited hearing to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
- The change applies to FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana, easing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) barriers to research.
- Reclassification would not legalize marijuana or affect sentences for those incarcerated for possession.
- The hearing to evaluate the broader change is scheduled to begin on June 29.
- The move follows an executive order signed by President Trump in December directing the attorney general to continue the push to change federal restrictions.
What Happened
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered the immediate reclassification of FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. The Justice Department (DOJ) announced it will hold a new, expedited hearing to evaluate this broader change to the drug's status under federal law, which is scheduled to begin on June 29. This action follows an executive order signed by President Trump in December directing the attorney general to continue efforts to change federal restrictions on marijuana.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you know uses marijuana for medical purposes in a state where it is legal, this reclassification could eventually lead to more research into its potential benefits and risks. For researchers, the change eases significant federal barriers to studying the drug. However, the change does not immediately legalize marijuana at the federal level, and it will not affect the sentences of individuals currently incarcerated for possession.
What's Next
The Justice Department's expedited hearing on the reclassification is set to begin on June 29. The outcome of this hearing will determine the final status of marijuana under federal law. If the reclassification is finalized, marijuana would be categorized alongside drugs like ketamine and steroids, which are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use.