The Justice Department announced on Thursday that it was taking steps to relax restrictions on state-licensed medical marijuana, which could lead to more research and treatment options.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed in a post to X that he had issued an executive order to immediately reclassify FDA-approved marijuana and state-licensed marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move also includes an “expedited hearing” to fully reschedule the drug.
Schedule I substances, such as heroin, ecstasy, and LSD, are considered highly dangerous and are subject to strict regulations. Many advocates have been advocating for cannabis to be moved to a lower schedule.
Blanche stated that both FDA-approved marijuana and state-licensed marijuana will now fall under Schedule III, which is categorized as “drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”
A hearing on June 29 will be held to “evaluate broader changes to marijuana’s status under federal law,” according to a press release from the Justice Department.
Blanche highlighted that this action is in line with President Trump’s commitment to expanding Americans’ access to medical treatments. He emphasized that rescheduling marijuana will facilitate research on its safety and effectiveness, ultimately improving patient care and providing doctors with more reliable information.
The White House is reportedly working quickly to implement Trump’s executive order on easing marijuana restrictions and enhancing medical research. The goal is to bridge the gap between current medical marijuana usage and scientific understanding.
While Trump’s executive order in December aimed to speed up cannabis reclassification, it did not aim to legalize marijuana federally. This decision has raised hopes among scientists that reclassifying cannabis could open up new research opportunities to better comprehend its impact on medical conditions.
Some advocates and medical professionals believe that medical marijuana can effectively alleviate symptoms of severe pain, terminal illnesses, and cancer. However, critics warn about the potential negative effects of marijuana use on brain functions, especially in young individuals. Long-term use of marijuana is also linked to concerns about male fertility.
It is worth noting that cannabis was initially classified as a Schedule I substance during the Nixon administration.
NBC News has reached out to the White House for their response to the recent announcement by the Justice Department.
