Department of Health and Human Services Recommends Reclassifying Cannabis as a Schedule III Substance

On October 6, 2022, President Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a review of the classification of cannabis under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). On August 29, 2023, HHS completed its review and recommended to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that the classification of cannabis be changed from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.

Schedule I is the most restrictive tier, reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III is reserved for drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. If the DEA were to follow HHS’ recommendation, cannabis would no longer be categorized with drugs such as heroin, LSD, peyote, and ecstasy. Instead, cannabis would be categorized with drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids.

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