Medical marijuana reclassified

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, which moves medical cannabis into the same legal category as common painkillers and anabolic steroids.

While the move does not legalize recreational use, it provides significant tax breaks for state-licensed operators and simplifies the research process.

The decision has drawn both praise from the industry and skepticism from some political opponents who question the timing.

A further administrative hearing scheduled for June could lead to even broader changes in federal marijuana policy.