(WASHINGTON DC) – The US Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marihuana as a less dangerous drug, the Associated Press found, a generationally historic shift in American drug policy that could have broad ripple effects across the country.
The DEA proposal, which must still be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and recognize that it has less potential for abuse than some of the country’s most dangerous drugs. However, it would not fully legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The agency’s decision, confirmed to the AP on Tuesday by five people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive regulatory review, clears the last significant regulatory hurdle before the agency’s biggest policy change in more than 50 years. years can come into force.
Once OMB approves, the DEA will take public comment on the plan to remove marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. It moves marijuana to Schedule III, along with ketamine and some anabolic steroids, following a recommendation of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. After the public comment period, the agency would publish the final rule.
This comes after President Joe Biden called for a review of federal marijuana law in October 2022 and moved it to forgive thousands of Americans federally convicted of simple possession of the drug. He also called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to expunge marijuana convictions.
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed unnecessary barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities,” Biden said in December. “Too many lives have been destroyed because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time to right these wrongs.”
The election year announcement could help Biden, a Democrat, increase support, especially among younger voters.
Schedule III drugs are still controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, and people who traffic them without permission can still face federal criminal charges.
Some critics argue that the DEA should not change course on marijuana, saying rescheduling is not necessary and could lead to harmful side effects.
On the other end of the spectrum, others argue that marijuana should be removed from the list of controlled substances entirely and instead be regulated like alcohol.
Federal drug policy has lagged behind many states in recent years, with 38 now legalizing medical marijuana and 24 legalizing its recreational use.
This has helped fuel the rapid growth of the marijuana industry, with an estimated value of nearly $30 billion. Easing federal regulations could reduce tax burdens that could be 70% or more for companies, according to industry groups. It could also facilitate research on marijuana, since it is very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies on Schedule I substances.
The rescheduling’s immediate effect on the nation’s criminal justice system would likely be weaker, since federal prosecutions for simple possession have been quite rare in recent years. Biden has already pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of marijuana possession under federal law.
___
Goodman reported from Miami, Mustian from New Orleans. AP Writer Colleen Long contributed.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
