The US Drug Enforcement Administration is set to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could have significant implications for the country’s drug policy. The proposal, which still needs to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical benefits of cannabis and acknowledge its lower potential for abuse compared to other drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The DEA’s decision comes after years of growing support for marijuana legalization, with a recent Gallup poll finding that 70% of adults support legalizing the drug. The proposal is seen as a major shift in drug policy, as it would move marijuana from its current Schedule I classification, which is reserved for drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, to Schedule III, which includes drugs with a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical use.
The reclassification would have significant implications for the marijuana industry, which has grown rapidly in recent years. Easing federal regulations could reduce the tax burden on businesses and make it easier to research the drug. However, it could also lead to unintended consequences, such as increased regulation and reporting requirements for dispensaries, and potential conflicts with international treaty obligations.
The DEA’s decision is seen as a major victory for advocates of marijuana legalization, who have been pushing for the drug to be reclassified for years. The move is also seen as a significant step forward for the Biden administration, which has been pushing for a review of federal marijuana policy. The administration has already taken steps to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana and has called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps.
The reclassification of marijuana is likely to be met with opposition from some critics, who argue that the drug remains a gateway to other drugs and that rescheduling it could lead to harmful side effects. However, many experts believe that the drug has a low potential for abuse and that its medical benefits outweigh any potential risks.
Overall, the DEA’s decision to reclassify marijuana is a significant step forward for the country’s drug policy, and it could have far-reaching implications for the marijuana industry and the criminal justice system.
