DEA to Reclassify Cannabis as Less Dangerous Drug in Historic Shift of Generations-Old Policy

Welcome to Da Cut. In a groundbreaking move that could significantly impact drug policy across the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to reclassify cannabis as less dangerous than some other scheduled substances currently in existence, such as heroin and LSD. The agency’s proposal follows recommendations from the federal Health and Human Services Department that recognize marijuana’s medical uses while acknowledging its lower potential for abuse compared to highly controlled drugs like cocaine or fentanyl. If approved after review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, this would mark a historic shift in generations-old drug policy. While it does not legalize cannabis outright for recreational use, moving marijuana from its current Schedule I classification to Schedule III alongside substances like ketamine could pave the way for significant changes across various sectors such as taxation and research opportunities. The DEA’s move comes after President Joe Biden called for a review of federal drug laws in October 2021 and has since taken steps towards criminal justice reform, including calling on governors to expunge marijuana convictions at both the state and local levels. Some critics have argued against this rescheduling proposal, citing concerns about potential negative side effects that could arise from such a move. However, others argue for complete removal of cannabis from controlled substance lists altogether in favor of alcohol-like regulation. With over 38 states having already legalized medical marijuana and an estimated $29 billion worth industry fueled by the fast growth rate observed since state-level reforms began taking effect years ago, it’s clear that federal drug policy has fallen behind current trends. Easing restrictions could potentially reduce tax burdens for businesses in this sector while also making clinical studies on marijuana more accessible due to its Schedule I classification currently being a significant barrier to research efforts. While the immediate impact of rescheduling may not be as pronounced, given how rare federal prosecutions have been over recent years regarding simple possession charges since Biden’s pardon announcement last year, this move could still signal an encouraging trend for ongoing drug reform across both federal and state legislatures throughout the U.S.