DEA proposes reclassifying marijuana, paving way for reform and research

Welcome to Da Cut. In a groundbreaking move that could set the stage for significant reform across the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is proposing to reclassify cannabis as less dangerous, paving the way for more research into its medicinal uses and potentially easing restrictions on marijuana use in some states. The DEA’s proposal follows a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department that recognises cannabis has fewer abuse potentialities than many other controlled substances currently classified under Schedule I drugs such as heroin and LSD, where it is now listed alongside them. However, this change would not legalise marijuana for recreational use. According to multiple unnamed sources, who have reviewed the plans due process with AP prior publication of any regulatory amendment, following public comment periods in response to OMB approval later this year, a final rule will be published by DEA once comments are evaluated and incorporated where necessary into its proposal. The move comes after President Joe Biden called for an overhaul of federal marijuana laws last October as part of his broader criminal justice reforms that included pardoning thousands convicted federally on simple possession charges while also urging governors to follow suit at a local level. However, the proposed DEA shift could lead to “unintended consequences” according to some critics who argue it’s not necessary and may cause harm due to potential side effects associated with cannabis use that are still being studied by scientists today. Some experts also suggest marijuana should be entirely removed from controlled substance lists as opposed to simply rescheduling, arguing for a more holistic approach towards its regulation in line with alcohol sales whereby age restrictions would apply alongside other measures designed to minimise harm and reduce associated risks arising primarily out of usage irregularities linked typically via underage users who aren’t legally entitled to purchase it. As things stand now, 38 US states have already legalised medical marijuana while a further 24 permit recreational use in line with the evolving landscape that has seen federal drug policy lag behind state-level reforms significantly over recent years. The proposed DEA move is expected to ease tax burdens for businesses currently operating within this rapidly expanding market which some estimate could be worth upwards of $30bn by year’s end, while also making it easier to conduct authorised clinical studies on Schedule I substances that are presently very difficult due to the complexities surrounding obtaining appropriate permits. Finally, such reform measures will go a long way towards addressing social justice issues associated with disproportionate arrest and conviction rates for minority groups currently grappling significantly under resourced judicial systems overwhelmed by caseloads linked primarily via cannabis-related offences that are now widely regarded as outdated in the context of evolving societal norms.