DEA moving to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug

DEA moving to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to reclassify marijuana as a less harmful drug, marking a significant shift in American drug policy. This move, which is pending review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical benefits of cannabis and acknowledge its lower potential for abuse compared to some other dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana for recreational use.

Five sources familiar with the matter, who spoke anonymously to discuss the sensitive regulatory process, confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the DEA's proposal has cleared the last major regulatory hurdle before implementation. Once the Office of Management and Budget approves, the DEA will open a public comment period on the plan to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III classification under the Controlled Substances Act. This change would align marijuana with substances like ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

"This proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III has been circulated by the Attorney General today," said Xochitl Hinojosa, director of public affairs for the Justice Department, 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."

Attorney General Merrick Garland's endorsement of the proposal underscores its significance to the Biden administration. President Joe Biden has already taken steps to review federal marijuana laws and pardon thousands of individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession. He has also urged state and local leaders to address marijuana convictions that have disproportionately impacted certain communities.

"Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana," Biden said in December. "It's time that we right these wrongs."