Agency Plans Historic Marijuana Reclassification, AP Reports
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in the process of potentially reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This development is seen as a significant shift in American drug policy and comes on the heels of President Joe Biden's call for a review of federal marijuana laws. The proposal, which is pending approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget, would acknowledge the medical uses of cannabis and recognize that it has a lower potential for abuse compared to some of the most dangerous drugs currently classified under federal law.
The proposed change, which is the DEA's most substantial policy alteration in over five decades, is not intended to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Instead, it aims to adjust the drug's classification. The reclassification could influence not only drug policies but also have economic impacts and potentially affect the criminal justice system. Although there have been few federal prosecutions for simple possession, the move follows President Biden's decision to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana.
The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Some critics believe that rescheduling marijuana is unnecessary and could lead to negative consequences. In contrast, advocates argue that cannabis should be regulated similarly to alcohol. If the proposal receives the necessary approval, the DEA will seek public comment before publishing the final rule, thereby allowing for a broader discussion on the future standing of marijuana in the United States.
