The Biden administration moved on Thursday to downgrade marijuana from the most restrictive category of drugs.
The proposed rule, submitted to the Federal Register, is subject to a 60-day comment period, kicking off a lengthy approval process before it takes effect.
The proposal, which would move marijuana to Schedule III, from Schedule I, signals a significant shift in how the federal government views the substance, even as it does not legalize the drug.
The categories of controlled substances determine production amounts, access, research and legal consequences.
Some experts have argued that cigarettes and alcohol, which are not in any of the five categories of controlled substances, should be included in Schedule I because of their demonstrated high risk of abuse and addiction.
Organizations:
Biden, Federal