The United States Department of Justice has taken a significant step towards reclassifying marijuana, formally proposing to move it from Schedule I to Schedule III. This change is still pending, but if approved, it could have several consequences.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes drugs into five schedules, with Schedule I drugs being those with the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Under the new proposal, it would be moved to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine, testosterone, and Tylenol with codeine.
Rescheduling marijuana does not mean it would be legalized for recreational use or decriminalized on the federal level. Instead, it would acknowledge the medical uses of cannabis and recognize its lower potential for abuse compared to more dangerous drugs. This change could make it easier for research on marijuana to be conducted and potentially reduce federal taxes that companies pay.
Industry groups claim that the current tax rate for businesses involved in marijuana trafficking can reach as high as 70%. The change in classification could also lead to the pardon of thousands of people convicted federally of simple marijuana possession. President Joe Biden has already announced pardons for these individuals and has called on governors and local leaders to take similar actions.
However, the immediate impact on the criminal justice system is expected to be limited, as federal prosecutions for simple possession have been rare in recent years. Even if marijuana is reclassified, it would still be a controlled substance subject to federal regulations and rules.
Thirty-eight states have legalized medical marijuana, while 24 have approved it for recreational use. The process of reclassifying a substance is lengthy and involves public comment periods, reviews, and administrative judges. The proposal is expected to face additional hurdles before it is finalized. The Associated Press contributed to this report. What do you think?
