In a historic move that marks a significant shift in American drug policy, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to propose the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, acknowledging the drug’s medical uses and lesser potential for abuse. This proposal comes after President Joe Biden’s call for a review of federal marijuana laws and his move to pardon thousands convicted of simple possession.
Currently classified alongside drugs such as heroin and LSD under Schedule I — denoting substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse — marijuana’s reclassification to Schedule III would place it alongside drugs like ketamine and some anabolic steroids. This change not only reflects shifting public opinion — with 70% of adults supporting legalization according to a recent Gallup poll.
As the proposal awaits review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), once OMB signs off, the DEA will initiate a public comment period and subsequent review by an administrative judge. If approved, the agency would publish the final rule. This would not, however, legalize marijuana for recreational use at the federal level.
President Biden, who previously called for a review of marijuana classification in October 2022, highlighted the disproportionate impact of marijuana convictions, stating, “Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.” He emphasized the need to rectify these injustices.
Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III acknowledges its lower addiction potential and opens up possibilities for the drug’s medical research, which has been challenging under its Schedule I classification. Despite this, marijuana would still be a controlled substance, subject to DEA regulation, and those trafficking it without permission would face federal prosecution.
Not everyone is on board with the DEA’s proposed policy change. Some critics, such as former DEA deputy administrator Jack Riley, see marijuana as a potential “gateway drug,” “but in terms of us getting clear to use our resources to combat other major drugs, that’s a positive.” Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Schumer, the Majority Leader from New York, stated, “Congress must do everything we can to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and address longstanding harms caused by the War on Drugs.”
If the DEA’s proposal goes through, it could significantly ease the tax burden for the booming marijuana industry, potentially reducing taxes by 70% or more, and pave the way for more straightforward research into the drug’s benefits.
The DEA has not responded to requests for comment on the proposal.
Relevant articles:
– US drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift, AP sources say, apnews.com, 05/01/2024
– Biden administration plans to reclassify marijuana, easing restrictions nationwide, NBC News, 04/30/2024
– Marijuana to be reclassified under reported DEA proposal, New York Daily News, 04/30/2024
– Cannabis stocks are surging as the DEA reportedly moves to reclassify marijuana, Quartz, 04/30/2024