US reclassifies cannabis, raising possibility of marijuana legalisation - BBC

BBC
April 23, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

The U.S. government reclassified cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing federal restrictions.

How This Affects You

This reclassification could lead to broader state-level medical marijuana programs and impact federal banking and tax policies for cannabis businesses.

AI Summary

The United States government has reclassified cannabis, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This administrative action acknowledges cannabis's accepted medical uses and lower potential for abuse compared to drugs like heroin. The reclassification significantly reduces federal restrictions on cannabis, potentially easing research and medical access. This change, initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services and approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration, could pave the way for broader state-level medical marijuana programs and impact federal banking and tax policies for cannabis businesses. While not outright federal legalization, it marks a historic shift in federal drug policy regarding marijuana.

What's Being Done

The Department of Health and Human Services initiated the change, and the Drug Enforcement Administration approved it.

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