Cannabis regulations should be loosened by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

While 40 of 50 states have legalized the use of the drug in some form, it remains illegal at the federal level.

Currently, cannabis is categorized with heroin and LSD.

It would mark the most significant shift in US drug policy in decades if the DEA changed its classification.

Under the Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is classified as a schedule 1 drug, which means it has no medical use and is likely to cause abuse.

Schedule 3 would align it with drugs listed as having a low potential for addiction and abuse. Among them are ketamine, anabolic steroids, and drugs containing up to 90 milligrams of codeine per dose.

Joe Biden asked his attorney general and health secretary to oversee a review of cannabis’ status as a less serious drug last year.

On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) presented the proposal to the DEA.

An evaluation was conducted by HHS for consideration by DEA as part of this process.

“DEA has the final authority to schedule or reschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA will now initiate its review.”

The HHS, in its statement, said “this administrative process was completed in less than 11 months, reflecting this department’s collaboration and leadership to ensure that a comprehensive scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously”.