The ongoing de-stigmatization of cannabis has the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and that’s caught the attention of a professor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Gary Kinsel, professor of chemical and biochemical sciences and director of SIU’s Cannabis Science Center, agrees with the idea of downgrading cannabis to a less-controlled status.

“Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I narcotic, which means it’s in the same category as compounds which are considered to be highly addictive and which have no known medical usage,” said Kinsel. “It’s been recommended to be reclassified to Schedule III. So it basically means there is a recognition by the HHS that some of the compounds in cannabis have legitimate medical uses.”

Kinsel says this can only help the trade – for tax considerations and its ability to use banks.

There is no word on when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration may act on HHS’ recommendation.