(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The federal government has reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana under a major shift in drug policy.
An order signed Thursday by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moves qualifying medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a less restrictive classification.
The change does not legalize marijuana under federal law, but alters how it is regulated and recognizes its medical use.
Officials say the move will ease restrictions on research and allow expanded study of cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain and epilepsy.
The order also allows state-licensed medical marijuana businesses to deduct standard operating expenses on federal taxes for the first time.
The administration says the change applies to marijuana distributed through state medical programs, while other cannabis products remain classified under stricter federal controls.
A federal hearing on broader marijuana reclassification is expected to begin in late June.