The health agency wants the drug moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA, potentially the biggest change in federal drug policy in decades.
DEA has the final authority to schedule or reschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement.
“The administration process is an independent process led by HHS, led by the Department of Justice, and guided by evidence,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Cannabis is currently a Schedule I substance on the CSA, which means it is deemed to have a high likelihood of abuse and no medical uses.
Schedule III drugs are categorized as having “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”
The HHS recommendation is the result of a nearly yearlong federal review of all available marijuana research.
"It is regrettable that the Department of Health and Human Services move now appears to be a nod to those monied interests.". »
