Biden administration to reclassify marijuana as less harmful drug in major change
The Biden administration is making a significant move during an election year concerning the reclassification of marijuana. If passed, this proposal would officially recognize the medical benefits of cannabis and acknowledge its lower potential for abuse compared to some of the most dangerous drugs in the nation. However, it’s important to note that this reclassification would not legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is working towards reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, marking a historic shift in American drug policy that could have far-reaching effects across the country. This proposal is still pending review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
According to a Biden administration official, “Attorney General Garland is submitting a new rule to OMB that would reclassify marijuana.” However, the Department of Justice has declined to provide further comments on the matter.
If the rule change is implemented, marijuana would no longer be categorized as a Schedule I substance. This change is a significant step towards acknowledging the evolving landscape of marijuana use and regulation.
Sen. John Fetterman from Pennsylvania has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization, emphasizing the importance of regulation to ensure safety. He has been lobbying for the descheduling of marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, which currently lists it as a Schedule I substance along with heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and others.
As the drug schedule changes from Schedule I to Schedule III, the abuse potential also changes. Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for misuse compared to Schedule I and II substances. While these drugs may lead to physical dependence, they are more likely to result in psychological dependence.
In total, 24 states along with Washington, D.C., and two U.S. territories have legalized small amounts of marijuana for recreational adult use. This shift in policy reflects a growing acceptance of marijuana as a substance with potential medical benefits and reduced risks compared to other drugs.
The push for marijuana legalization is gaining bipartisan support, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing interest in making it more accessible. Fetterman believes that criminalizing individuals for nonviolent marijuana charges is unnecessary and that adults should have the freedom to use marijuana without facing legal consequences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the U.S. With an estimated 48.2 million users nationwide in 2019, the trend towards legalization for both medical and recreational use continues to grow.
