May 16 (Reuters) - Shares of cannabis companies rose on Thursday afternoon after the U.S. Department of Justice unveiled a proposal to ease restrictions on marijuana, a rule if enacted would also enable more research on its medicinal benefits.

U.S.-listed shares of Tilray Brands, Cronos Group and Canopy Growth rose between 1.2% and 7.1%, while ETF AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis climbed 6.1%.

Canada-listed Green Thumb Industries and Trulieve Cannabis were also up 5.8% and 9.1%, respectively.

The reclassification will not legalize marijuana for recreational use, but move the drug to a group that contains ketamine and Tylenol with codeine. Currently, the drug falls under the DEA's class which includes heroin and LSD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it found "some credible scientific support for the use of marijuana in the treatment of chronic pain, anorexia related to a medical condition, and nausea and vomiting."

"We are grateful that our leaders are finally recognizing the positive power of this incredible plant and listening to the overwhelming majority of Americans who support legalization," said George Archos, founder and CEO of Verano Holdings .

The public will get 60 days to submit comments on the justice department's proposal.

Last month, the department moved to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III, a less dangerous drug. (Reporting by Tanay Dhumal in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)