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For the last 50 years the government is classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug.

The same as heroin and LSD and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense. So I'm

asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to

initiate a process to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

That was President Biden speaking in October. how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

That was President Biden speaking in October 2022 about marijuana reforms.

Last Tuesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland did initiate the process

to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug.

Those substances are considered by the Drug Enforcement Agency to have moderate to low potential

for physical and psychological dependence.

This recommendation does not make marijuana legal at the federal level, but for the first time the

government is acknowledging marijuana's potential medical benefits.

So what does this move mean for marijuana research and

drug policy more broadly? We'll get into all that and more after the break. I'm

Jen White. You're listening to the what-a podcast where we get to the heart of the

story. Back with more in just a moment.

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