Weed (marijuana) is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy
. However, there has been a recent move to reschedule marijuana. On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a proposed rule to transfer marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse and recognized medical uses. This change reflects updated views by the Department of Health and Human Services on marijuana’s medical use and abuse potential
. In summary:
- Current classification: Schedule I (high abuse potential, no accepted medical use)
- Proposed reclassification: Schedule III (moderate to low potential for abuse, accepted medical use)
