May 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Justice has formally proposed reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Attorney General Merrick Garland filed a notice of the proposed laws within the Federal Register on Thursday to officially begin the method, the Justice Department said in a Press releaseThe notice recognizes the medical use of marijuana and notes that its potential for abuse is lower than that of other Schedule I drugs similar to heroin and LSD.
Next, the Drug Enforcement Administration will take public comments on the proposal. It will not be known how long the method might take. But the change would not Fully legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The reclassification of marijuana has been discussed for years. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began reviewing the possible change in October 2022 on the urging of President Biden. Video statement posted on X, called the move “monumental.”
As defined According to the federal government, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and currently haven't any recognized medical use. Schedule III drugs have “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”
Schedule III drugs include steroids, testosterone, and certain mixtures of limited codeine with Tylenol. Schedule IV and V drugs have a fair lower risk of abuse or dependence.
Marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug since 1970, the Justice Department said.
You can read more in regards to the latest classification here.