Governor Andy Beshear is calling for a reclassification of marijuana on the federal level. Beshear says he has sent a letter to the head of the DEA, Anne Milgram, expressing his support of the recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that the DEA ease restrictions on marijuana. HHS has asked the DEA to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III. Beshear says the move will provide patients an alternative to deadly opioids, and improving access to safe products will reduce crime. Gov. Beshear said rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is a significant, common-sense step forward for all Kentuckians, especially those with significant medical conditions. Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is scheduled to begin on January 1.