The US Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have announced a major change in how marijuana is treated under US law. The move follows an executive order by Donald Trump and could reshape medical use, research and the cannabis industry.
what changed
Some marijuana products are now classified as less dangerous drugs.
– FDA-approved cannabis-based medicines
-Medical marijuana regulated by state licenses
These products are moved to Schedule III under US drug laws instead of the stricter categories.
What is Schedule III?
US drug plans rank substances by risk:
Schedule I: Highly dangerous, no medical use (eg heroin, LSD)
Schedule III: Lower risk, acceptable medical use (eg, some pain relievers, ketamine)
So this change means that marijuana is now perceived as marijuana with medical value and lower risk—at least for some products.
what’s next
The government is planning a major change:
– The formal hearing will start on 29 June 2026
-Decides whether to move all marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III
Officials are speeding up the process to reach a decision more quickly.
What officials say
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “This rescheduling allows for research into the safety and effectiveness of this substance and ultimately provides better care for patients and more reliable information for doctors.”
DEA Administrator Terry Cole added, “We are moving forward quickly … bringing consistency and oversight to an area that lacks both.”
Why it matters
This is a big shift because:
-Scientists can study marijuana more easily
-Doctors may have clearer instructions
-Hemp companies can more easily operate and raise money
-Businesses could benefit from a reduced regulatory burden
Is marijuana now fully legal?
No.
-Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level
-This change only relaxes the rules for medical and approved products
The big picture
The move signals a major shift in US policy:
The government recognizes the medical use of marijuana
At the same time, they try to maintain control over the use of illegal drugs
More clarity is expected after a June 2026 hearing that could decide marijuana’s full legal status under federal law.
