US set to move to reclassify marijuana as early as Wednesday, Axios reports - Reuters

Reuters
April 22, 2026
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3 min read

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The US is reportedly set to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.

How This Affects You

This reclassification could ease restrictions on medical marijuana, potentially lowering prices or increasing access for patients in states where it is legal.

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The US is reportedly set to reclassify marijuana as early as Wednesday, according to an Axios report cited by Reuters. This action would move marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III drug under federal law. The reclassification signifies a major shift in federal drug policy, acknowledging marijuana's accepted medical uses and lower potential for abuse compared to its current classification alongside drugs like heroin. This change could significantly impact the legal cannabis industry, potentially easing research restrictions and opening avenues for banking and tax relief. While not fully legalizing marijuana federally, the move would align federal policy more closely with the growing number of states that have legalized medical or recreational cannabis.

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The US is reportedly set to reclassify marijuana as early as Wednesday.

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The order signed by Todd Blanche does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it's regulated.

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