U.S. Health Department Urges Easing Rules on Cannabis, Citing Health Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. –In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a relaxation of regulations surrounding cannabis, according to a report from Bloomberg News. The move comes as part of a letter obtained by the news outlet.

In the missive, which was directed to Anne Milgram, the administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health in the United States, advocated for the reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, cannabis is categorized as a Schedule I drug, a classification that is more restrictive.

This development arrives in a landscape where approximately 40 states across the U.S. have taken steps to legalize the use of cannabis to varying degrees. However, it’s crucial to note that despite these state-level changes, the use of cannabis remains illegal in certain states and is also considered a federal offense.

The DEA has confirmed receipt of the communication from the HHS, in which the findings and recommendations concerning cannabis scheduling were presented. This action was prompted by President Joe Biden’s call for a comprehensive review of the matter.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, emphasized the independence of the process, which is being led by the HHS in collaboration with the Department of Justice. She stated, “The administration’s process is an independent process led by HHS, led by the Department of Justice and guided by evidence … we will let that process move forward.”

As the discussions unfold, it’s important to note that the HHS has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments in the press.

A key aspect of this procedure involves a thorough scientific and medical assessment carried out by the HHS, with the intention of aiding the DEA’s decision-making process. Ultimately, the DEA possesses the final authority when it comes to scheduling or rescheduling drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. As a next step, the DEA will initiate a comprehensive review based on this evaluation.

This news has been met with enthusiasm from cannabis-related businesses. Notably, companies such as Canopy Growth (WEED.TO), Tilray Brands (TLRY.O), and Cronos Group (CRON.TO) have all witnessed a rise in their respective share prices.

In a landscape where perspectives on cannabis are shifting, this recommendation from the HHS marks a potentially significant step toward a new approach to cannabis regulation—one that takes into account evolving scientific understanding and changing societal attitudes. As the DEA takes the lead in reviewing these recommendations, the future landscape of cannabis policy in the U.S. remains an area to watch closely.