US makes move to reclassify marijuana

THE United States Justice Department yesterday moved to make marijuana use a less serious federal crime, taking a step to remove the drug from a category that includes heroin in a shift that could shake up cannabis policy nationwide. The Justice Department, which oversees the Drug Enforcement Administration, said attorneygeneral Merrick Garland recommended cannabis be classified as a schedule three drug, with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, instead of schedule one, which is reserved for drugs with a high potential for abuse.

The proposal goes from the Justice Department to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review and finalisation. A public comment period will follow. President Joe Biden initiated a review of the drug’s classification in 2022, fulfilling a campaign promise that was important to leftleaning members of his political base.

The drug falls under the DEA’s class that includes heroin and LSD. It would be moved to a group that contains ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.

Reclassifying marijuana represents a first step towards narrowing the chasm between state and federal cannabis laws. The drug is legal in some form in nearly 40 states.

While rescheduling the drug does not make it legal, it would open up the doors to more research and medical use, lighter criminal penalties and increased private investment in the cannabis sector.

The Justice Department’s move came after the Health and Human Services Department in August recommended rescheduling cannabis as part of Biden’s ordered review. Public support for marijuana legalisation has risen from 25% of US adults in 1995 to 70% in 2023, according to polling group Gallup.

People of colour have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana drug enforcement for decades.

Black people are 3.6 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite similar usage rates, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. — Reuters