<p>The US Department of Justice on Tuesday moved to make marijuana use as a less serious crime, a source familiar with the matter said.</p><p>If finalized, the policy change could potentially be the biggest shift in federal cannabis policy in 40 years.</p><p>Shares of cannabis firms surged following the news. Stocks of pot companies such as Tilray, Trulieve Cannabis Corp , Green thumb Industries were up over 20 per cent in late afternoon trading.</p>.US federal scientists recommend easing restrictions on marijuana.<p>The Department of Justice, which oversees the Drug Enforcement Administration, recommended that cannabis be classified as a so-called schedule three drug, with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, instead of schedule one, which is reserved for drugs with a high potential for abuse.</p><p>The proposal is being sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review and to finalize the rule-making process, the source said.</p><p>The DEA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the recommendation, first reported by the Associated Press.</p><p>The shift, however, would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use, according to AP. </p>
<p>The US Department of Justice on Tuesday moved to make marijuana use as a less serious crime, a source familiar with the matter said.</p><p>If finalized, the policy change could potentially be the biggest shift in federal cannabis policy in 40 years.</p><p>Shares of cannabis firms surged following the news. Stocks of pot companies such as Tilray, Trulieve Cannabis Corp , Green thumb Industries were up over 20 per cent in late afternoon trading.</p>.US federal scientists recommend easing restrictions on marijuana.<p>The Department of Justice, which oversees the Drug Enforcement Administration, recommended that cannabis be classified as a so-called schedule three drug, with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, instead of schedule one, which is reserved for drugs with a high potential for abuse.</p><p>The proposal is being sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review and to finalize the rule-making process, the source said.</p><p>The DEA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the recommendation, first reported by the Associated Press.</p><p>The shift, however, would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use, according to AP. </p>