Biden Administration Proposes Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug

The Biden administration is moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, according to multiple reports and confirmation from the Department of Justice. The proposed rule, which still needs White House approval, would recognize the medical uses of marijuana and acknowledge that it has less potential for abuse than other drugs.

Under the proposal, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) would move marijuana from Schedule I, which includes drugs like heroin and LSD, to Schedule III, on par with ketamine and anabolic steroids. This historic shift in federal drug policy comes after President Biden called for a review of marijuana laws in 2022 and moved to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession.

Why this matters: The reclassification of marijuana would represent a major change in the federal government's approach to the drug. It could have significant implications for the rapidly growing cannabis industry, potentially reducing tax burdens and easing restrictions on research.

While the move would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use, it is seen as a step towards aligning federal policy with the dozens of states that have already legalized or decriminalized the drug. Attorney General Merrick Garland has formally recommended the reclassification to the White House, initiating a lengthy rule-making process.

The proposal will need to go through a review process, including a public comment period, before it can be implemented. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have expressed mixed reactions, with some hailing it as progress and others arguing it does not go far enough in reforming marijuana policy.

The reclassification could reduce the tax burden on the $30 billion marijuana industry and facilitate research on the drug's potential medical benefits. However, the immediate effect on the criminal justice system would likely be more muted, as federal prosecutions for simple possession have been fairly rare in recent years.

The Biden administration's move is viewed as an effort to appeal to younger voters and address racial disparities in drug enforcement ahead of the 2024 election. "The president has been clear about the need to reform our country's failed approach to marijuana," a White House official said. "This is a significant step forward in that effort."

Key Takeaways

• Biden admin proposes reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
• Reclassification would recognize medical uses and lower abuse potential of marijuana.
• Proposed change could reduce tax burden on $30B cannabis industry and ease research.
• Reclassification is a step towards aligning federal policy with state legalization efforts.
• Move seen as effort to appeal to younger voters and address racial disparities in enforcement.