WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department formally moved Thursday to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in a historic shift in U.S. drug policy.
Proposed regulations sent to the Federal Register recognize marijuana’s medical uses and acknowledge that it has a lower potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. plan Attorney General Merrick Garland’s approval does not fully legalize marijuana recreational use.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will seek public comment on a proposal to remove marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. Move pot to Schedule III, along with ketamine and some anabolic steroids.
The move was made following a recommendation from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Review of drug status At the request of President Joe Biden in 2022.
Biden also moved on. please forgive thousands of people He has a federal conviction for simple possession of marijuana and called on the governor and local leaders to do the same to expunge his conviction.
“This is monumental,” Biden said in a video statement, calling it an important move toward reversing years of inequality. “Too many people’s lives have been ruined by failed approaches to marijuana, and I am committed to righting those wrongs. My promise is to you.”
The election-year announcement could help boost Biden’s sagging support, especially among Democrats. young voters.
A notice of proposed rulemaking filed with the Federal Register initiates a 60-day comment period followed by review by an administrative judge, a potentially lengthy process.
Biden and a growing number of lawmakers from both major political parties are calling for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s decision as marijuana becomes increasingly decriminalized and accepted, especially by young people.
The U.S. Cannabis Council, an industry group, praised the proposed changes, calling them “a sign of a seismic shift from the failed policies of the past 50 years.”
According to available data reviewed by HHS, the proposed rule states that while marijuana is “associated with a high prevalence of abuse,” its potential is more consistent with other Schedule III substances. It has been shown that
HHS’ recommendations are binding until a draft rule is submitted, which Garland agreed to in order to start the process.
Still, the Drug Enforcement Administration has not made its own decisions about where marijuana use should be planned and is expected to learn more during the rulemaking process, the document said. .
Schedule III drugs remain controlled substances and are subject to rules and regulations, and those who traffic them without a permit may still be subject to federal criminal prosecution.
Some critics argue that the DEA should not change its marijuana policy, saying schedule changes are unnecessary and could lead to harmful side effects. Some argue that marijuana should be treated like alcohol.
Federal drug policy has lagged behind many states in recent years, with 38 states already legalizing medical marijuana and 24 states legalizing recreational use. This has fueled the rapid growth of the marijuana industry, which is estimated to be worth nearly $30 billion.
Relaxing federal regulations could reduce tax burdens for marijuana businesses, which could be as much as 70% or more, according to industry groups. It could also make research on marijuana easier, as it is very difficult to conduct approved clinical studies on Schedule I substances.
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Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington and Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.
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Follow AP’s coverage of marijuana. https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana.
