The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that marijuana be moved to Schedule III in federal law. This is a landmark decision that signifies that the U.S. top health agency does not consider cannabis to be a substance with a high abuse potential and little medical value.
Bloomberg first reported that HHS has completed a scientific evaluation of cannabis in response to a directive by President Joe Biden. The HHS now informs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it believes marijuana belongs on Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Bloomberg first reported that HHS is calling for marijuana to be moved into a lower-risk category of the Controlled Substances Act.
Cannabis would remain illegal under federal law as a Schedule III substance. The rescheduling could have significant implications for researchers, who’ve been critical of the Schedule I classification for creating barriers to study.
Tax opportunities for the marijuana industry would be unlocked if cannabis was moved to Schedule III.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said to Marijuana Moment that his agency aimed to complete the review before the end of the calendar year.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
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The post Top Federal Health Agency Says Marijuana should be Moved to Schedule III in Historic Recommendation to DEA first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
