Slug: US Marijuana Policy Shift
Washington
The United States has announced a significant shift in its drug policy, with federal authorities moving to relax restrictions on marijuana and reclassify it as a less dangerous substance, marking one of the most substantial changes in decades.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that it will immediately begin loosening restrictions on certain marijuana products while accelerating efforts to reclassify the drug under federal law. The decision stops short of full legalization but is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the rapidly growing cannabis industry, currently valued at approximately $47 billion.
Under existing rules, marijuana has been categorized alongside highly addictive substances such as heroin. The proposed changes would shift state-regulated medical marijuana products into a less restrictive classification, similar to substances with low to moderate abuse potential, including some prescription painkillers and treatments like ketamine. Products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will also fall under the new category.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the federal government plans to fast-track broader reforms aimed at reclassifying all uses of cannabis. According to officials, the move is expected to reduce regulatory barriers, facilitate scientific research, and ease financial constraints for businesses operating in the sector.
The policy shift follows a directive issued in December by Donald Trump, instructing the Justice Department to review and relax marijuana regulations. The administration argues that aligning federal policy with evolving medical research and state-level practices will improve patient care and provide doctors with more reliable data.
Industry leaders have welcomed the development, noting that it could open new avenues for research into the therapeutic uses of cannabis, including pain management, cancer-related symptoms, and anxiety disorders. Companies such as Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth are expected to benefit from reduced tax burdens and improved access to funding.
Following the announcement, U.S.-listed cannabis stocks initially surged between 6% and 13%, reflecting investor optimism. However, gains were later pared back as markets assessed the limited immediate scope of the changes.
Despite not fully legalizing marijuana nationwide, the move signals a clear shift in federal stance and could pave the way for broader reforms in the future.
