What ‘Rescheduling’ of Marijuana Means for Americans

Though marijuana is now legal in 24 US states for recreational purposes and in 40 states for medical reasons, it’s still illegal at the federal level. But on April 23, the US Justice Department reclassified state-regulated medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a major shift that will dramatically reshape how cannabis companies operate in the coming years.

The action leaves recreational use of marijuana illegal under federal law. But separately, the Justice Department announced it will expedite a rulemaking process to also reclassify recreational sales in states with legal programs. It could help companies engaged in the legal pot industry compete against illicit sellers.