The Justice Department plans to forward a recommendation for easing restrictions on marijuana to the White House in what could amount to a major change in federal policy, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday moved to make marijuana use a less serious federal crime, taking a step to remove the drug from a category that includes heroin in a shift that could shake up cannabis policy nationwide.

The Biden administration moved Tuesday to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance, a person familiar with the plans told CNN, a historic move that acknowledges the medical benefits of the long-criminalized drug and carries broad implications for cannabis-related research and the industry at large.

The measure, if enacted, would not instantly legalize marijuana at the federal level but could broaden access to the drug for medicinal use.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday, citing five people familiar with the matter. The agency's proposal,

MIAMI The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration could ease restrictions on marijuana, saying they will reclassify it as a less dangerous drug. "This is great news," said Dr. Michelle Weiner, who is involved in cannabis and psychedelic treatments for patients.