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The HHS recently provided a recommendation to the DEA that suggests updating the scheduling status of marijuana. The majority of Americans waited hesitantly to see how that recommendation would be received and more anticipation was added to the mix when the memo in question was released nearly entirely redacted. In the recent weeks, some clarity has been gained and the memo was made available in its unredacted form. As we inch closer to a presidential election, this begs the question of whether this recommendation will be followed, who holds the authority on the matter, and what would this do in states that have already legalized the plant? For those unfamiliar with drug scheduling, it is a system implemented by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) that categorizes drugs based on their potential for abuse and medical use. Schedule I drugs are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. Supporters of this change argue that the current scheduling status of marijuana is outdated and ignores scientific research that has shown its potential for medicinal purposes.

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