The US Drug Enforcement Administration is planning a significant shift in drug policy by reclassifying marijuana to a less severe category, marking a historic change. Currently labeled as a “Schedule I” substance along with heroin and LSD, it would move to “Schedule III,” which indicates a lower risk of abuse. This proposal, the most substantial in over five decades, has been submitted to the White House for review. Following publication in the federal register, there will be a public comment period and administrative review before formalization.
While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. The announcement led to a surge in the stock prices of US and Canadian cannabis companies. Schedule III drugs, including substances like codeine and steroids, have less severe penalties for unauthorized trafficking compared to Schedule I.
Reclassifying marijuana could diminish the black market, enhance legal market accessibility, and reduce marijuana-related arrests, benefiting both individuals and law enforcement. This shift aligns with changing public attitudes, with a majority of US adults now supporting legalization. President Biden’s call for a review of federal marijuana laws and pardoning of marijuana users underscores evolving perspectives. Additionally, lawmakers are urging the DEA to reconsider marijuana’s classification, highlighting the need to rectify decades of discriminatory policies.
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