The United States is moving to place certain state-approved medical marijuana products in a less restrictive federal drug category, marking another step in the country’s gradual shift away from harsher cannabis policies.
The change, announced by the Department of Justice, does not amount to federal legalization of marijuana for either medical or recreational use. Instead, it lowers the classification of some marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III within the federal drug control system.
Under that framework, Schedule III substances are considered to carry a lower risk of dependence than drugs listed in the more restrictive top category. Officials say the new designation could make it easier to expand scientific research and improve medical understanding of cannabis-based treatments.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the move is intended to support more reliable studies on safety and effectiveness, which could ultimately help both patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions.
For years, supporters of cannabis reform have argued that marijuana was treated too harshly under federal law, especially when grouped alongside substances viewed as having a far greater risk profile. They have also pointed to the impact of past enforcement policies, which contributed to large numbers of arrests and prison sentences.
The latest step comes amid broader national changes in how marijuana is viewed and regulated. Over time, many US states have moved to legalize cannabis in some form, whether for medical use, recreational use, or both. According to federal health data, marijuana use has become increasingly common, while public support for legalization has continued to grow.
The issue has also gained political momentum in Washington. In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order urging the Justice Department to relax marijuana restrictions. Similar efforts had been launched earlier under former President Joe Biden, though they were not completed before he left office.
At the same time, the legal cannabis sector has grown into a major commercial market. Industry forecasts suggest legal sales in the United States could reach tens of billions of dollars in 2026, reflecting both consumer demand and the expanding number of states allowing regulated access.
While the new classification does not settle the broader debate over federal marijuana policy, it signals a continued move toward a more flexible approach centered on research, regulation, and medical use.
