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The Justice Department has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy. Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since 1970. This change acknowledges marijuana's medical uses and its lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs. The proposal, approved by Attorney General Merrick Garland, does not legalize marijuana for recreational use. It does, however, start a public comment period before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) makes a final decision.
Schedule I Drugs
The DEA organized drugs into 5 categories, or "schedules," back in 1970. The higher the schedule, the less restricted the distribution of the drug and lower the penalty for its use. A schedule 5 drug would be something like a cough suppressant. Schedule I drugs have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples are heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, and methaqualone.
The reclassification follows recommendations from the Health and Human Services Department. This was started by President Joe Biden in 2022. Biden has also pardoned thousands convicted of simple marijuana possession. He urged similar actions at state and local levels. This move aims to address the inequities caused by the previous drug policy.
Marijuana's Legal Status
In the U.S., marijuana's legal status varies state to state. As of now, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 states have legalized it for recreational use. The industry is growing quickly, with a market value of $13.2 billion in 2022. Easing federal regulations could help the industry by reducing the tax burden, which can exceed 70% for marijuana businesses. It can also help with medical research, which is currently limited by its Schedule I classification.
Marijuana use is common! A 2022 Gallup poll indicated that 16% of Americans reported using marijuana, up from 12% in 2019 . Public support for legalization is also high, with 68% of Americans in favor of legalizing marijuana as of 2021, according to a Pew Research Center survey . While the proposed reclassification to Schedule III would still impose controls, it could reduce some of the harshest legal and financial penalties currently faced by the marijuana industry and users. However, critics argue that more research is needed to justify such a change and warn of potential adverse effects.
The Justice Department's proposal to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug is a significant policy shift! This reflects the changing attitudes and increased recognition of marijuana's medical benefits in the U.S. The final decision will depend on the outcome of the DEA's rule-making process and public input.
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