HHS Official Urges Reclassification of Marijuana to Lower-Risk Drug Category

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended that marijuana be reclassified as a Schedule III drug, according to a letter addressed to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) administrator. Currently classified as a Schedule I drug, the move would ease restrictions on marijuana and align with the legalization efforts in about 40 U.S. states. The DEA confirmed receiving the letter and stated that it will initiate a review. Cannabis companies and advocates welcomed the HHS recommendation, citing the need to end the harm caused by marijuana prohibition.