Washington, D.C. (AP) – The Biden administration is poised to make a historic move towards relaxing federal restrictions on cannabis by announcing an interim rule that will reclassify the drug for the first time in over five decades since the Controlled Substances Act was enacted. Sources familiar with the decision reveal that the Drug Enforcement Administration is set to approve a proposal by the Department of Health and Human Services. This proposal would reclassify marijuana from the strict Schedule I category to the less stringent Schedule III, recognizing its potential medical benefits and paving the way for further research.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has forwarded the rescheduling proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget, signaling a significant policy shift. However, any reclassification is still several months away from becoming effective. Following publication in the Federal Register, there will be a 60-day public comment period and a review by an administrative law judge before final approval.
For decades, marijuana has been classified alongside heroin, methamphetamines, and LSD under Schedule I, despite mounting evidence of its medical benefits. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would allow for increased research into its therapeutic properties, enabling pharmaceutical companies to engage in the legal sale and distribution of medical marijuana in states where it is permitted.
President Joe Biden’s directive to review marijuana’s classification last year marked a significant shift from previous administrations’ stances on the issue. Federal scientists have concluded that cannabis offers credible medical benefits and poses fewer health risks compared to other controlled substances. Biden’s acknowledgment of the need to reform cannabis laws during his State of the Union address reflects changing attitudes towards the drug.
While the move to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III is met with praise from advocates and industry stakeholders, there are concerns about potential challenges ahead. The public review period and the possibility of congressional intervention could impact the final decision. However, bipartisan support for marijuana reform is growing, driven by shifting public opinion and a recognition of the need for regulatory changes to address the harms caused by longstanding drug policies.
The administration’s decision is seen as a significant step towards modernizing cannabis regulations and creating a more equitable industry landscape. With Congress considering various bills to support legal marijuana businesses and address past injustices, there is optimism about the future of cannabis policy in the United States. While challenges remain, the momentum towards cannabis reform suggests a changing tide in the national conversation surrounding marijuana legalization and regulation.