Name: US to Reclassify Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug
Uploaded: 2026-04-24T12:10:08+00:00
Description: The US Department of Justice has announced a major shift in drug policy, easing restrictions on certain marijuana products and accelerating efforts to reclassify the drug as less dangerous. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government will move FDA-approved and state-regulated medical marijuana from the most restrictive category of drugs to one with lower abuse potential.

The US Department of Justice has announced a major shift in drug policy, easing restrictions on certain marijuana products and accelerating efforts to reclassify the drug as less dangerous. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government will move FDA-approved and state-regulated medical marijuana from the most restrictive category of drugs to one with lower abuse potential.

The US Department of Justice has announced a major shift in drug policy, easing restrictions on certain marijuana products and accelerating efforts to reclassify the drug as less dangerous.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government will move FDA-approved and state-regulated medical marijuana from the most restrictive category of drugs to one with lower abuse potential.

The administration is also fast-tracking a broader review to shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law.

The reclassification would place marijuana alongside substances like ketamine and testosterone, instead of highly restricted drugs such as heroin and LSD. However, the move does not legalize marijuana nationwide.

Under the decisive leadership of @POTUS , this Department of Justice is delivering on his promise to improve American healthcare. This includes:

• Immediately rescheduling FDA-approved marijuana and state-licensed marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule IIl

• Ordering a new,… pic.twitter.com/DUtqKQgavl

— Acting AG Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) April 23, 2026

Officials said the decision will make it easier to conduct research on marijuana’s medical benefits, reduce tax burdens on cannabis businesses, and improve access to funding for the industry.

The policy shift follows an executive order by Donald Trump directing authorities to relax federal marijuana restrictions. A formal hearing on the reclassification is scheduled for June 26 to gather expert input.

The announcement has already boosted investor confidence, with shares of major cannabis companies rising significantly. Industry leaders say the move aligns federal policy with growing scientific evidence and patient needs.

Despite federal restrictions, marijuana is already legal in some form in about 40 US states, and legal sales are projected to exceed $47 billion by 2026.

Experts believe the latest reforms could further accelerate growth in the US cannabis market while reshaping research and regulation nationwide.

📢 For the latest International & UAE news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!

Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!