The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, sources confirmed to The Associated Press and NBC News, a historic shift in generations of U.S. drug policy that could have far-reaching consequences. repercussions across the country.
The DEA proposal, which still needs to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge that it poses less risk of abuse than some of the most dangerous drugs from the country. However, this would not outright legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The agency’s decision, confirmed Tuesday to the AP 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 biggest change in policy of the agency for more than 50 years can take place. effect.
Once the OMB signs off, the DEA will consider public comments on the plan to remove marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. It moves pot to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and certain anabolic steroids, following a recommendation from 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 decided to pardon thousands of Americans convicted federally of simple possession of the drug. He also called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to expunge marijuana-related 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 disrupted because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time to right these wrongs.
The election-year outlook could help Biden, a Democrat, shore up flagging support, particularly among younger voters.
Schedule III drugs are still controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, and people who traffic them without authorization could still face federal criminal prosecution.
Some critics argue that the DEA should not change course on marijuana, saying rescheduling is not necessary and could lead to harmful side effects.
Biden announces plans to reform federal marijuana laws
President Joe Biden on Thursday announced his three-step plan to reform federal marijuana laws, which includes an immediate pardon for all federal convictions for simple possession.
On the other end of the spectrum, others argue that marijuana should be removed from the list of controlled substances altogether and instead regulated like alcohol.
Federal drug policy has lagged behind many states in recent years, with 38 already legalizing marijuana for medical purposes and 24 legalizing its recreational use.
This has helped fuel the rapid growth of the marijuana industry, which is estimated to be worth nearly $30 billion. Easing federal regulations could reduce the tax burden that can reach 70% or more for businesses, according to industry groups. It could also make marijuana research easier, since it is very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies on Schedule I substances.
The immediate effect of a rescheduling on the nation’s criminal justice system would likely be more muted, 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.
NBC Chicago
