US Justice Department Reclassifies Cannabis, Easing Federal Restrictions
The US Justice Department has reclassified cannabis to Schedule III, reducing federal restrictions and paving the way for expanded medical research and patient access across the country
Key Points
- 1The US Justice Department downgraded cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under President Trump's directive
- 2Cannabis products approved by the FDA or licensed by states are affected by the new classification
- 3Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the change will help physicians and improve patient care
- 4Public hearings on broader cannabis reclassification are scheduled, with a 30-day legal challenge window
- 5Morgan Fox of NORML called the move a symbolic step and urged for full declassification
The United States Department of Justice has officially downgraded cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, marking a significant shift in federal drug policy. This change, enacted under the direction of President Donald Trump, reduces cannabis' classification from the same category as heroin to one alongside lower-risk medications like codeine-based painkillers. The move is designed to facilitate greater access to medical research and treatment options for patients, according to Thairath
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, which specifically affects cannabis products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or licensed for medical use by states. Blanche stated, “The Justice Department is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to expand medical treatment options for Americans. This reclassification will help physicians access more reliable information and improve patient care.” However, cannabis remains illegal under state law in some jurisdictions, despite most states having already legalized its medical or recreational use to varying degrees
The policy revision follows a presidential order signed just five days earlier, aimed at increasing access to certain psychoactive drugs for medical treatment. Public hearings on broader cannabis reclassification are scheduled for June, giving stakeholders a 30-day window to contest the changes after their publication. Morgan Fox of NORML, a cannabis law reform group, described the move as a "symbolic step" and added, "Rescheduling cannabis will encourage policymakers to engage in more serious discussions without being constrained by outdated definitions." Fox also emphasized that the ultimate goal remains full removal of cannabis from federal controlled substances lists to resolve ongoing legal and financial conflicts
From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this development signals a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry in the United States. The reclassification is likely to accelerate scientific research and drive calls for uniform regulation across states. Industry stakeholders should closely monitor how federal and state laws evolve, as the outcome will have lasting implications for business operations, patient access, and investment in the sector
