Now from Times Square, here's what you need to know.

Let's check it out with America's favorite doctor in LA.

It is good to see you, my friend.

You guys, it's cold out here.

In LA. In LA. You guys it's cold out here. I bet it is cold out here.

It's a different level of cold.

She's got her sweater.

Yeah, on the west coast, of course.

So let's talk about this headline that's coming out right now.

There is medical news right here saying that federal researchers recommend

easing restrictions on marijuana because it has potential medical benefits and

is less risky than other controlled drugs. I feel like we've heard this before so what so new about this today?

We have heard it before and this is really about kind of continued dialogue if you will sometimes

with some controversy involved between the FDA, the DEA, and

the HHS. So these are all federal organizations because right now, cannabis is a Schedule one drug which has no medicinal use

and a high risks of abuse and they're recommending that they shift it to a

Schedule 3. So when you look at risks versus benefits, what are the benefits? We know that

there is scientific support for some therapeutic use for pain, nausea and vomiting, particularly

when associated with cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

The risks, yes, extreme abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

And we have to remember that right now in this country, cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 states,

recreational use in 24 states and two territories.

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