Biden HHS Recommends Marijuana Move to Schedule III
By Bruce Japsen
In a landmark decision, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is recommending marijuana be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law, easing restrictions that will make access easier for medical researchers.
Following a scientific review at the direction of
President Joe Biden last year, HHS essentially no longer considers marijuana to be a drug that has no medical value with the potential for widespread abuse. Though not binding, HHS’ recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Aug. 30 to place marijuana in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a move observers believe will be enough to convince the DEA to abide by the move.
Marijuana No Longer Lumped in with Schedule I Drugs like Heroin, LSD, Ecstacy
As a Schedule III drug, marijuana will still be con- sidered federally prohibited but the new classification would reduce barriers to studies and research. But marijuana would no longer be lumped into a group of Schedule I drugs considered dangerous and highly addictive that include heroin and LSD.
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