What ‘Rescheduling’ Marijuana Means

Marijuana is now legal in 24 US states for recreational purposes and in 38 states for medical reasons, but it’s still illegal at the federal level. The Department of Justice has thrown its support behind an effort to remove pot from a list of the most dangerous type of controlled substances. The proposal, which is far from a done deal, would leave recreational use of marijuana illegal under federal law. It could help companies engaged in the legal pot industry compete against illicit sellers, though it wouldn’t solve their problems gaining access to banking and credit services.

Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, drugs are classified in the US in one of five categories and regulated on a federal level accordingly. Marijuana is listed under Schedule I — along with heroin, LSD and MDMA — as a drug considered to have the highest risk of abuse and no recognized medical use. The proposal is to move it to Schedule III, a category that includes anabolic steroids, testosterone and ketamine. These drugs have a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,” according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Statistics show cannabis use disorder — or use that interferes with relationships, work or daily life — affects as many as 3 in 10 users.