U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to Reclassify Marijuana as a Less Dangerous Drug
U.S. Drug Policy Shifting as Marijuana Recognized for Medical Use
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is embarking on a historic shift in American drug policy by initiating steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This move could have widespread implications across the country, as it recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges its lower potential for abuse compared to some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. While it does not legalize marijuana for recreational use, it marks a significant change in drug policy for the first time in over 50 years.
The proposal, which is pending review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, has gained support as it aligns with the recommendation of the federal Health and Human Services Department. Once approved, the DEA will conduct a public comment period and review before publishing the final rule. The reclassification will place marijuana under Schedule III alongside substances like ketamine and some anabolic steroids, rather than its current classification alongside heroin and LSD.
Major Step Backed by Attorney General Signals Biden Administration’s Support
Attorney General Merrick Garland, with oversight of the DEA, is expected to formally sign the proposal, reinforcing the significance of the move and indicating its importance to the Biden administration. This decision comes in response to President Joe Biden’s call for a review of federal marijuana law and his effort to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of the drug. Biden has emphasized the need to rectify the harms caused by marijuana convictions and eliminate associated barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
Public Support and Growing Political Consensus Bolster DEA Decision
Among the factors influencing the decision to reclassify marijuana is the growing acceptance and support for its legalization across the country. According to a Gallup poll, adult support for legalization reached a record high of 70% in the fall of the previous year, a substantial increase from the approximately 30% in 2000. President Biden’s emphasis on rectifying racially discriminatory policies and the support from a growing number of lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also bolster the DEA decision.
Furthermore, the current federal drug policy has lagged behind the policies implemented by many states. Currently, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 states have legalized its recreational use. The fast growth of the marijuana industry, estimated to be worth nearly $30 billion, has resulted in the need for eased federal regulations to reduce high tax burdens on businesses in the sector as well as facilitate more extensive clinical studies.
Potential Consequences and Differing Opinions on DEA’s Decision
Despite the positive reception of the DEA’s decision, critics maintain that marijuana remains a “gateway drug” that could lead to the use of more harmful substances. However, the potential positive impact on combating other major drugs, such as fentanyl, is acknowledged by experts. Advocates argue for treating marijuana similarly to alcohol, and numerous lawmakers have called for dropping its classification as a controlled substance and instead regulating it in a manner consistent with alcohol.
However, rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III raises concerns and challenges for the DEA. The numerous cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. would need to comply with stricter regulations and reporting requirements. Additionally, international obligations, such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which mandates the criminalization of cannabis, present legal and logistical complexities that need to be addressed.
The Future of Marijuana Regulation
The DEA’s move to reclassify marijuana marks a significant turning point in U.S. drug policy, striving to strike a balance between acknowledging its medical uses and adjusted potential for abuse. While legalization for recreational use remains unresolved, the decision reflects the changing societal attitudes and political consensus around marijuana. The impacts of this reclassification may extend beyond criminal justice policy, affecting various verticals, including business tax burdens, the drug war, and international treaty obligations.
