The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reportedly planning to reclassify marijuana as a drug with lower risks. This proposed move is being considered to have a positive impact in the US, as there are currently 24 states that have already legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Even though the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment has prohibited the prosecution of people complying with state cannabis laws since 2014, this would still be the biggest policy change in the DEA’s 50-year history.
The move to reclassify marijuana still needs to get consent from the White House Office of Management and Budget before it can be considered legal in the United States, and once approved, it wouldn’t legalize cannabis outright. The proposal being considered recognizes the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and suggests it as a lower-risk drug with less potential for danger than other drugs throughout the US. If approved, marijuana would still need several months before it could take effect, as public comments would have to be considered.
The reclassification of marijuana would also mean it is no longer classified as a Schedule I controlled substance after more than 50 years, which classifies it alongside drugs like heroin and MDMA., If marijuana is moved to Schedule III, it’ll be among those drugs that have medicinal benefits and include ketamine and testosterone. Following the news yesterday, Congressman Troy A. Carter said, “This is a major milestone in our nation’s #DrugPolicy. It is time for reform and I look forward to these changes I have fought for.” Over the years, there have been debates on whether marijuana should be made legal in the US, and while this move is not the complete legalization of cannabis, it takes things a step in the right direction.
Source: Associated Press
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