Updated 3:40 p.m. April 30, 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, marking a significant shift in federal policy towards the controversial plant. This move comes as a response to growing calls for the decriminalization of marijuana and recognition of its potential medical benefits. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry, patients, and advocates alike.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, The Associated Press reported on Monday. This decision represents a departure from the longstanding classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug, alongside substances like heroin and LSD. By moving marijuana to Schedule III, the DEA acknowledges that the plant has potential medical value and lower risk of abuse compared to other controlled substances.
The Biden administration will move Tuesday to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance, a person familiar with the plans told CNN, signaling a shift in federal policy towards the legalization and regulation of cannabis. This decision reflects a growing consensus among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public that marijuana should be treated differently from more harmful drugs. The move could pave the way for increased research into the therapeutic uses of marijuana and expanded access for patients in need.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is loosening federal restrictions on marijuana and concurring that the drug has medical value, a significant departure from its previous stance on the plant. While marijuana will not be legalized at the federal level, reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug could open the door for more research, clinical trials, and medical applications. This decision is expected to have a ripple effect on state laws and regulation regarding marijuana use and distribution.
The measure, if enacted, would not instantly legalize marijuana at the federal level but could broaden access to the drug for medicinal use. Patients with qualifying conditions may find it easier to obtain medical marijuana prescriptions, while healthcare providers could have more freedom to recommend cannabis-based treatments. The reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule III drug represents a step towards decriminalization and destigmatization of the plant.
It's not entirely clear how a move to a Schedule III substance could impact Pennsylvania, but there could be some benefits for the medical community and patients in the state. The reclassification of marijuana could lead to increased research funding, improved patient access to cannabis-based treatments, and changes in state laws regarding recreational and medical marijuana use. Pennsylvania lawmakers and healthcare providers are closely monitoring the DEA's decision and its potential implications for the state.
The federal war on marijuana has entered the end game. Read the details of the breaking news to re-classify cannabis, as the DEA acknowledges the medical value of the plant and proposes moving it to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This decision represents a significant shift in federal drug policy and could have lasting impacts on public health, criminal justice, and the economy.
Cannabis stocks were up sharply on Tuesday on a report by the Associated Press that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is poised to recommend reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III. This news sent shockwaves through the cannabis industry, with investors and stakeholders anticipating a more favorable regulatory environment for marijuana businesses and consumers. The reclassification of marijuana could lead to increased market opportunities and financial growth for companies operating in the cannabis space.
The DEA is planning to recommend reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, moving it from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, sources told ABC. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the medical benefits of marijuana and the need for a more nuanced approach to regulating the plant. By reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug, the DEA aims to strike a balance between public health concerns and patient access to cannabis-based treatments, paving the way for a more comprehensive and evidence-based approach to marijuana regulation.
