Laws Beginning to Relax
The DEA has decided that the once strict laws around Marijuana are to be relaxed. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that while the DEA reported decision to propose marijuana rescheduling is a “historic step forward.” He remains “strongly committed” to advancing cannabis banking and legalization legislation this session. The Biden administration moved Tuesday to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance.
“Attorney General Merrick Garland circulated a proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III,” Xochitl Hinojosa, the DOJ’s director of public affairs, said in a statement.
Once published by the Federal Register, it will initiate a formal rulemaking process as prescribed by Congress in the Controlled Substances Act.
More Possible Changes to Come
This leading to the DEA preparing to officially initiate the rule-making to have cannabis moved. This change being from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. With a following statement from Schumer saying that this is not going to be the only Marijuana policy reform this congress.
“It is great news that DEA is finally recognizing that restrictive and draconian cannabis laws need to change to catch up to what science and the majority of Americans have said loud and clear,” the majority leader said.
What Does ‘Rescheduling’ Mean?
Schedule III substances include steroids, testosterone, and Tylenol with codeine. For 53 years, cannabis has been held a Schedule I classification. A category the is also used for LSD, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroine. Schedule I classification means the drug is not a medication due to its potential of creating addiction.
By doing so, this drug is now going to be researched and studied for to identify concrete medical benefits. The reclassification of cannabis now opens the door for the pharmaceutical companies to broaden their horizons. Meaning, they will be able to be involved in distribution and sales of of medical marijuana in states where it is legal.
By Key Robertson
Sources:
Marijuana Moment: Schumer Says DEA Marijuana Rescheduling Decision Is ‘Historic,’ But He Remains ‘Strongly Committed’ To Passing Banking And Legalization Bills
NBC News: Biden administration plans to reclassify marijuana, easing restrictions nationwide
CNN Business: Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
Featured Image Courtesy of Blind Nomad’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of James St. John’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
