US Justice Department reclassifies medical marijuana to Schedule III
Updated
Updated · The Conversation · Apr 30
US Justice Department reclassifies medical marijuana to Schedule III
9 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Apr 30
The April 23 order applies only to state-certified medical cannabis products, while federal proceedings to formalise the change are expected to begin in late June.
The shift could greatly expand research by letting DEA-registered scientists study cannabis products from state-licensed businesses, including flowers, vapes, tinctures and edibles actually used by patients.
Cannabis remains federally Schedule I for recreational products, and experts warn rescheduling is not a safety endorsement, citing risks for pregnant people, adolescents and those with mental health or cardiac conditions.
The U.S. just created a two-tier cannabis market. Who are the biggest winners and losers in this new legal landscape?
Medical cannabis is now federally recognized medicine. But will this truly protect patients from losing their jobs or homes?