Federal Government Reclassifies State-Licensed Medical

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order Thursday directing federal reclassification of FDA-approved marijuana products and marijuana products licensed under a state medical program, moving them from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug classifications. The action was carried out through the Drug Enforcement Administration under the Justice Department’s authority.

The change places these state-licensed medical marijuana products in the same category as certain prescription drugs such as testosterone, ketamine, and some pain medications. Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential, while Schedule III drugs are considered to carry moderate to low dependence risk.

The move does not legalize marijuana nationwide, does not apply to all medical marijuana broadly, and does not remove marijuana entirely from federal controlled substance laws. Recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Officials say the change could make scientific research easier and reduce some tax and regulatory burdens on the cannabis industry.

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President Donald Trump previously said his administration would pursue reclassification, and the Drug Enforcement Administration held a hearing beginning June 29 regarding broader marijuana policy changes.

Currently, 24 states and the District of Columbia allow recreational marijuana for adults. Health officials continue to warn marijuana use can be linked to impaired driving, dependency, and mental health risks, especially among youth and pregnant women.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs.