HHS Urges DEA to Reclassify Marijuana as Lower-Risk Drug

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended reclassifying marijuana as a schedule three substance, indicating it has a moderate to low potential for dependence, according to a letter obtained by Bloomberg News. Currently classified as a schedule one substance, this move could be a first step towards wider legalization. President Joe Biden had requested a review of marijuana's classification under federal law last year. As of April, 38 states and the District of Columbia allow for medical marijuana use, while 23 states and the District of Columbia have passed measures to regulate cannabis for adult non-medical use.