The US government plans to reclassify marijuana

2025-08-04

The DEA is planning to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. The shift, which would still require ultimate approval from the White House, could broaden access to use marijuana in the United States and may ease restrictions to conduct research on the drug，which could have a profound impact on US drug policy.

The US government plans to reclassify marijuana1

The proposed measure has not yet been reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, aiming to recognize the medical benefits of using marijuana, recognize that the likelihood of marijuana abuse is lower compared to some of the most dangerous drugs in the country, and reclassify marijuana as a Class III scheduled drug.

However, it does not seek to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But this move cleared the last major regulatory obstacle before the agency's biggest policy change in over 50 years came into effect.

According to the National Institutes of Health, California became the first state to make possession of marijuana illegal. In the 1930s, the Federal Narcotics Administration warned that the abuse of marijuana was increasing, and by 1937, 23 states had criminalized possession of marijuana.

By 1970, the Controlled Substances Act had been passed, and the federal government classified marijuana as a Class I scheduled substance.

The US government plans to reclassify marijuana2

The planned change in the rules of the Anti Drug Administration followed the recommendation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in August 2023 to reclassify marijuana from the first category schedule to the third category schedule. Any changes to the status of marijuana through the rule making process of the Anti Drug Bureau will not take immediate effect.

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process
- The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must still review the proposed reclassification.
- A public comment period will follow, allowing stakeholders and citizens to voice support or concerns.
- A final rule will then be issued by the DEA, which may be challenged or revised before taking effect.