Trump Administration Reclassifies Medical Marijuana, Loosening Restrictions
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Justice Department announced it has loosened legal restrictions on medical marijuana, allowing for expanded research and treatment options, by moving FDA-approved and state-regulated marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
- This change does not affect the classification of recreational marijuana, which remains a Schedule I drug, but the DEA plans to hold a hearing in June to consider rescheduling it.
- The new classification reduces restrictions on medical marijuana, aligning it with drugs like ketamine, and reflects growing support among federal and state officials for loosening cannabis regulations.
- The move follows a December executive order from President Trump directing the Justice Department to reclassify marijuana, and comes after Trump publicly criticized officials for delays in implementing the order.
- The announcement coincides with broader federal efforts to promote research into the therapeutic benefits of mind-altering substances, highlighted by a recent Oval Office ceremony involving Trump and podcaster Joe Rogan.
