Justice Department reports or credible news sources

DEA to Shift Marijuana from Schedule 1 to 3, Following Biden's Directive

Apr 30, 2024, 05:35 PM

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, marking a significant shift in federal drug policy. This move will transition marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 substance, acknowledging its medical uses and reducing its classification as a criminal offense. This policy change, the most substantial in over 50 years, aligns with the medical legalization in 24 states and follows a directive from President Joe Biden in October 2022 to review federal marijuana laws. The DEA's proposal also notes the drug's less potential for abuse and clarifies that it does not legalize marijuana for recreational use.