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Should the U.S. consider marijuana a lower-risk drug?

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2023

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a relaxation of restrictions on marijuana, marking a significant step following a review request from the Biden Administration last year.

As the trend toward legalisation gains momentum across nearly 40 U.S. states, the move could signal a pivotal shift in marijuana’s legal status both at state and federal levels.

While marijuana has been legalised for various forms of use in almost 40 U.S. states, it remains prohibited in certain states and under federal law.

The HHS’s recommendation to reclassify marijuana reflects a push to acknowledge its potential benefits while demoting its perceived risks, in alignment with a growing majority of Americans who support broader legalisation.

The HHS conveyed its scheduling recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Tuesday, as per President Biden’s directive.

The DEA, tasked with enforcing drug-related laws, possesses the authority to schedule or reschedule drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.

Presently designated as a schedule I drug, on par with heroin and LSD, marijuana’s classification implies high potential for abuse and lacks accepted medical applications.

The HHS’s proposal, in contrast, suggests a reclassification of marijuana to acknowledge its moderate to low potential for dependence and reduced abuse likelihood, likening it to substances such as ketamine and testosterone.

Should federal regulations around marijuana become more lenient, it could open doors for cannabis-related businesses. Major stock exchanges might allow the listing of such enterprises, and international companies could potentially enter the U.S. market.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasised that the administration’s process is rooted in evidence and led by independent bodies such as HHS and the Department of Justice.

North of the border, cannabis has gained legal status in Canada, creating a haven for publicly traded cannabis businesses. Many of these Canadian entities are poised to expand into the U.S. market if federal legalisation progresses.

News of the proposed shift triggered a surge in the stock prices of various cannabis companies. Notable firms like Canopy Growth, Tilray Brands, and Cronos Group experienced stock price increases, while entities such as Verano Holdings and Sunburn Cannabis expressed support for the HHS’s move.

George Archos, CEO of Verano Holdings, articulated the sentiment shared among advocates for marijuana reform, citing the outdated scheduling status of cannabis as a hindrance and emphasising the harm caused by the historical “War on Drugs.”

The HHS’s recommendation marks a notable development in the ongoing dialogue surrounding marijuana’s legal status in the United States, potentially setting the stage for a broader reconsideration of its classification and the resulting implications.

News

SpaceX IPO could make Elon Musk’s Mars dream a trillion-dollar reality

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Investors are buzzing as SpaceX gears up for a potential IPO, aiming to raise more than $25 billion, possibly as soon as June. The offering could value the company at over $1 trillion, fueling Musk’s ambitious plans for Mars and beyond.

Despite the high-risk nature of space ventures, demand from retail investors is expected to be strong. Experts predict this IPO could become historic, with the company’s market value potentially soaring past $2 trillion once it launches.

Musk’s unconventional management style hasn’t slowed investor enthusiasm, even amidst regulatory hurdles. The funds raised could also support groundbreaking innovations, including energy-efficient space data centers.

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#SpaceX #ElonMusk #IPO #MarsMission #Investing #StockMarket #TrillionDollar #SpaceTech

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Russia shoots down 280+ Ukrainian drones as Zelenskyy pushes new peace plan

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Russia’s Defence Ministry claims it has shot down over 280 Ukrainian drones, with 40 intercepted near Moscow, some targeting the city directly. Emergency services responded to debris, and temporary flight restrictions were enforced at Moscow’s airports amid the attacks.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy revealed his team is finalizing a revised 20-point peace proposal, introducing new ideas on territorial control. Ukrainian and American officials are set to consult online, focusing on security guarantees rather than the detailed points of the plan.

As tensions rise, both military clashes and diplomatic efforts continue to shape the future of the conflict. Keep up with the latest updates and expert analysis on these unfolding events.

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#UkraineConflict #RussiaUkraine #Zelenskyy #DroneAttack #PeacePlan #Moscow #WorldNews #TickerUpdates

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Disney invests $1B in OpenAI to generate Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar videos

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Disney is taking AI to the next level, investing $1 billion in OpenAI to create a licensing deal that allows users to generate videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. This partnership could redefine how fans interact with their favorite characters.

The deal will let users stream short AI-generated videos directly on Disney+, and ChatGPT will also produce images of Disney’s licensed characters. However, the agreement excludes talent likenesses or voices, keeping human performances separate.

Set to launch in 2026, the collaboration also gives Disney warrants to purchase additional OpenAI equity and use AI tools for product development, opening doors to new creative opportunities.

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