The historic move marks the first time the DEA has formally recognized a cannabidiol-based formulation as legal and safe.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration today announced the reclassification of Epidiolex, a plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD) prescription medicine approved by the FDA in June for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, from a Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 drug.

The agency announced that drugs including “finished dosage formulations” of CBD with THC levels below 0.1% will be considered Schedule 5 drugs, as long as the medications have been approved by the FDA.

Schedule 5 drugs, as defined by the US Controlled Substances Act, are deemed to possess a “low potential for abuse,” and may be associated with “limited physical dependence or psychological dependence.”

While the historic move marks the first time the DEA has formally recognized a cannabidiol-based formulation as legal and safe, the reclassification solely applies to Epidiolex, and does not affect the status of other whole-plant cannabis or CBD products.

“While this rescheduling is an important step in the right direction and opens the door to new medical research into the benefits of CBD for ailments other than epilepsy, questions still remain as to how this news will affect CBD manufacturers like ourselves,” says Tree of Life Seeds COO Brian Madar. “It’s still unclear what the long-term effects of this announcement will be for us, especially considering some states have passed laws that favor CBD products with FDA approval.”

Tree of Life Seeds CEO Jason Martin adds, “The repercussions of the FDA’s involvement in our industry could mean many things, but it’s our hope that today’s announcement signals the beginning of the end for full cannabis prohibition in the United States.”

About Tree of Life Seeds

Founded in 2015, Tree of Life Seeds develops industry leading premium hemp genetics and broad spectrum hemp cannabidiol (CBD) products. Genetics developed by Tree of Life Seeds, such as their flagship hybrid, Cherry Wine, can produce CBD as high as 25%, while maintaining almost undetectable levels of psychoactive THC. Tree of Life’s CBD products are produced with all natural, broad spectrum, nano-emulsified, THC free CBD oil derived from responsibly grown, non-GMO hemp cultivated in Colorado. Tree of Life Seeds has operations in Arkansas and Colorado. More information can be found at www.treeoflifeseeds.com or by emailing [email protected].