The US government has reclassified marijuana, easing access to the drug for medical use and allowing expanded research into its safety and efficacy. Previously categorized as a "Schedule I" substance—placing it alongside drugs like heroin and methamphetamine—marijuana is now classified as having moderate to low addiction potential under the third tier of the five-level Drug Schedule. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the change would "expand patients' access to treatments and empower doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions." The move follows a December executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at increasing medical marijuana research. The Department of Justice confirmed the reclassification allows for broader scientific study and medical application. The decision marks a significant shift from decades of strict federal restrictions on cannabis use and research.
The reclassification of marijuana comes years after President Donald Trump's executive order, raising questions about the delay in implementation despite the directive. Patients and doctors in the US now have more flexibility in considering cannabis-based treatments under the new rules. The shift from Schedule I status fundamentally alters the federal stance on marijuana's medical value. This change may influence how other nations view cannabis policies, though no direct Nigerian implications are stated.
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