Report: US drug regulator to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

WASHINGTON: The US drug enforcement administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, AP has learned, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple-effects across the country. The DEA’s proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House office of management and budget, would recognise the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs.However, it would not legalise marijuana outright for recreational use.
The agency’s move, confirmed to the AP on Tuesday by five people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, clears the last significant regulatory hurdle before the agency’s biggest policy change in over 50 years can take effect.
Once OMB signs off, the DEA will take public comment on the plan to move marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. It moves pot to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids, following a recommendation from the federal health and human services department. After the public-comment period the agency would publish the final rule.
It comes after Prez Biden called for a review of federal marijuana law in Oct 2022, and has moved to pardon thousands of Americans convicted federally of simple possession of the drug. He has also called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs,” Biden said in Dec. The election year announcement could help Biden, a Democrat, boost flagging support, particularly among younger voters.
Schedule III drugs are still controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, and people who traffic in them without permission could still face federal criminal prosecution. Some critics argue the DEA shouldn’t change course on marijuana, saying rescheduling isn’t necessary and could lead to harmful side effects.