The Justice Department has made a historic decision to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, recognizing its medical uses and lower potential for abuse compared to other substances. This move, approved by Attorney General Merrick Garland, does not legalize recreational use of marijuana but shifts it to Schedule III alongside ketamine and anabolic steroids.
After a recommendation from the Health and Human Services Department, President Joe Biden urged the review of marijuana’s status, leading to this significant change. Biden has also pardoned thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana possession and called for the erasure of such convictions at state and local levels.
This announcement comes as a positive step towards reversing outdated policies and addressing inequities. The proposed rule is subject to a 60-day comment period, with support from lawmakers and industry groups who see it as a move away from failed drug policies of the past.
Federal drug policy has been behind the legalization trend in states, with numerous benefits expected from easing regulations on marijuana. This shift could reduce tax burdens on businesses and facilitate further research on the substance.