Major Change in US Drug Control Policy: Justice Department to Push for Cannabis Downgrade
The US Department of Justice announced a major shift in drug control policy, moving to reclassify cannabis to a less dangerous drug. This change, one of the most significant in decades, will reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, aiming to boost research, reduce taxes, and aid industry funding.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 12:25
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- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 13:45 (1h 13m after Collected)
WASHINGTON (CNA) – The US Department of Justice announced today that it will immediately ease restrictions on some cannabis products and swiftly move to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug. This marks one of the most significant changes in US drug control policy in decades.
Reuters reported that this move does not legalize cannabis in the United States but is likely to reshape the $47 billion industry. Except for Idaho and Kansas, all other US states have legalized cannabis for medical use in some form, and nearly half of the states have also legalized recreational cannabis, but the industry continues to face federal hurdles.
Medical cannabis products, originally classified as Schedule I controlled substances alongside highly addictive drugs like heroin, will now be downgraded to Schedule III, on par with some painkillers, ketamine, and testosterone. Cannabis products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also be moved to this less restrictive category, which carries a low to moderate risk of abuse.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the federal government will also accelerate broader measures to reclassify all uses of cannabis to a less dangerous level.
These measures are expected to lower research barriers, reduce tax burdens, and help businesses obtain funding.
Blanche said in a statement that this reclassification action will help promote research into the safety and efficacy of cannabis, ultimately leading to better patient care and more reliable information for doctors.
The administration of former US President Biden initiated a similar action in 2024, but it was not completed when Trump returned to the White House, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) canceled related plans.
When Trump ordered the Justice Department to relax regulations last December, dozens of Republican members of Congress strongly opposed it, but the reaction today was relatively calm. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton said these measures would make it easier for Americans to access drugs he still considers dangerous.
Cotton stated: “Today’s cannabis is far more potent than it was 10 or 20 years ago, leading to increased psychosis, antisocial behavior, and fatal car accidents. Changing the drug classification of cannabis is a step in the wrong direction.”
Tilray Brands CEO Irwin Simon said: “Today is a critical moment for the United States. With President Trump pushing for cannabis reclassification, federal policy is finally aligned with science, medicine, and most importantly, patient needs.”
The Justice Department said it would begin procedures on June 29 to collect relevant evidence and expert opinions on the reclassification of cannabis. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150424
Cherish life, stay away from drugs. You can call the Drug Hazard Prevention Center hotline 0800-770-885 for addiction information and professional assistance.
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Reuters reported that this move does not legalize cannabis in the United States but is likely to reshape the $47 billion industry. Except for Idaho and Kansas, all other US states have legalized cannabis for medical use in some form, and nearly half of the states have also legalized recreational cannabis, but the industry continues to face federal hurdles.
Medical cannabis products, originally classified as Schedule I controlled substances alongside highly addictive drugs like heroin, will now be downgraded to Schedule III, on par with some painkillers, ketamine, and testosterone. Cannabis products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also be moved to this less restrictive category, which carries a low to moderate risk of abuse.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the federal government will also accelerate broader measures to reclassify all uses of cannabis to a less dangerous level.
These measures are expected to lower research barriers, reduce tax burdens, and help businesses obtain funding.
Blanche said in a statement that this reclassification action will help promote research into the safety and efficacy of cannabis, ultimately leading to better patient care and more reliable information for doctors.
The administration of former US President Biden initiated a similar action in 2024, but it was not completed when Trump returned to the White House, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) canceled related plans.
When Trump ordered the Justice Department to relax regulations last December, dozens of Republican members of Congress strongly opposed it, but the reaction today was relatively calm. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton said these measures would make it easier for Americans to access drugs he still considers dangerous.
Cotton stated: “Today’s cannabis is far more potent than it was 10 or 20 years ago, leading to increased psychosis, antisocial behavior, and fatal car accidents. Changing the drug classification of cannabis is a step in the wrong direction.”
Tilray Brands CEO Irwin Simon said: “Today is a critical moment for the United States. With President Trump pushing for cannabis reclassification, federal policy is finally aligned with science, medicine, and most importantly, patient needs.”
The Justice Department said it would begin procedures on June 29 to collect relevant evidence and expert opinions on the reclassification of cannabis. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150424
Cherish life, stay away from drugs. You can call the Drug Hazard Prevention Center hotline 0800-770-885 for addiction information and professional assistance.
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency “First-hand News” APP to grasp the latest news in real time.
The text, pictures, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.