TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III — which would recognize medical uses of cannabis — saying it has less potential for abuse than some other drugs.

The move would not outright legalize marijuana for recreational use.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed making marijuana a Schedule III controlled substance

  •  Florida will vote on recreational marijuana in November 

  •  Gov. Ron DeSantis says he is against legalizing recreational marijuana 

In Florida, recreational marijuana is on the ballot in November and advocates are hopeful it could pass.

Kelly Parrott is an advocate for Suncoast NORML — an organization that pushes for the legalization of marijuana — and says the reclassification is a step in the right direction.

“Cannabis should have never been a Schedule I," Parrott said. "It’s not on the same level as heroin or fentanyl."

Florida Gof. Ron DeSantis has said he is against legalizing marijuana for recreational use because it could lead to reducing the quality of life in the state.

“I don’t want this state to be reeking of marijuana," he said. "We’re doing fine — we don’t need to do that."

Some of those who oppose reclassification say marijuana remains a gateway drug that could lead to the use of other drugs.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has argued that the amendment did not change the fact federal law still outlaws recreational marijuana use.