Reclassification of marijuana opens doors for much-needed medical research into the benefits and risks of the drug

This change frees researchers to study cannabis products that most consumers encounter when buying medical marijuana – which could accelerate its treatment potential.

By: Carey S. Cadieux, Binghamton University, State University of New York, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 29, 2026

Words: 1,074

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Carey S. Cadieux, Binghamton University, State University of New York

When the U.S. Department of Justice moved to reclassify medical marijuana to a Schedule III drug on April 23, 2026, it set the stage for a vast amount of medical research that has been hobbled for decades by its more restrictive Schedule I classification.

The Justice Department also called for an expedited federal rescheduling process, with proceedings expected to begin in late June …

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