For the first time in decades, the U.S. federal government is seriously reconsidering how it classifies cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
The review follows widespread state-level legalization and public support for reform, signaling a potential turning point in national drug policy.
Currently, cannabis is listed as a Schedule I substance, a category reserved for drugs viewed as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse.
This classification, established in 1970, has remained unchanged despite growing evidence of medical benefits and an expanding legal market across many states.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended that cannabis be reclassified to Schedule III, a category that includes substances with accepted medical uses and lower misuse potential. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is now reviewing that recommendation before issuing a final decision.
Reclassification would not federally legalize cannabis but would represent a major policy shift. It could ease research restrictions, alter federal taxation rules for cannabis businesses, and bring federal standards closer to those of state-regulated markets. However, barriers such as interstate commerce limits and banking restrictions would remain until Congress enacts broader legislation.
The federal review reflects a broader change in public perception. Surveys show that a majority of Americans support medical cannabis access, and many favor further decriminalization or legalization. Policymakers and researchers view this as a sign that national attitudes toward cannabis have evolved significantly since the 1970s.
While the DEA’s review is ongoing, the outcome could have lasting effects on healthcare, scientific study, and the legal cannabis industry. Whatever the result, this marks the most significant federal reconsideration of cannabis policy in over 50 years.
