Joe Biden promotes reclassification of marijuana as low-risk drug: “Nobody should go to jail for using it”

On Thursday, the United States Department of Justice moved to formally reclassify marijuana less dangerous drugA landmark change in American anti-drug policy over several generations.

A proposed rule submitted to the Federal Register recognizes this medical use of cannabis and admits that he has low potential for abuse Compared to some of the most dangerous drugs in the country. The plan approved by Attorney General Merrick Garland does not directly legalize marijuana for recreational use.

After the decision, President Joe Biden said that “too many lives have been lost because of our failed approach to marijuana. So today, the Department of Justice is taking the next step to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law.

“This time, Marijuana is rated higher than fentanyl and methamphetamine – Two drugs are causing an epidemic of overdose in America. It makes no sense,” the Democratic president said.

Along these lines, he said that “At my request, and guided by science and evidence, HHS and DOJ have studied the drug’s medical use and the potential for abuse and dependence and have recommended its reclassification, and have concluded That reclassification will eliminate barriers to critical research.

,No one should go to jail simply for using or possessing marijuana. Today’s announcement builds on the work we’ve already done to pardon a record number of federal felonies for simple possession of marijuana. I am committed to correcting these historical errors. “I give you my word,” he concluded.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will take public comments on a proposal to remove marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. Marijuana moves into Schedule III along with ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

The change follows a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services, which began a review of the drug’s status in 2022 on the orders of President Joe Biden.

Biden has also moved to pardon thousands of people federally convicted of simple marijuana possession and has called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to expunge convictions.

The ad could help Democrat Biden increase his support, especially among young voters.

Notification of the proposed rule submitted to the Federal Register begins with a 60-day comment period, followed by potential review by an administrative law judge, a potentially lengthy process.

Biden and a growing number of lawmakers from both major political parties are pushing the DEA to make a decision, As marijuana is increasingly being decriminalized and accepted, especially by young people.

The US Cannabis Council, a trade group, praised the proposed change, saying it would “signal a tectonic shift away from the failed policies of the last 50 years.”

Available data reviewed by HHS show that while marijuana is “associated with a high prevalence of abuse,” according to the proposed rule, this potential is consistent with other Schedule III substances.

The HHS recommendations are binding until draft rules are submitted, and Garland agreed to them to begin the process.

However, according to the document, the DEA has not yet commented on the classification of marijuana, and expects to receive more information during the rulemaking process.

Schedule III drugs remain controlled substances and are subject to rules and regulationsAnd people who smuggle them without permission may still face federal criminal prosecution.

Some critics argue that the DEA should not change its stance on marijuana, saying that reclassification is not necessary and could lead to harmful side effects. Others argue that marijuana should be treated like alcohol.

In recent years, federal drug policy has lagged behind many states, 38 of which have already legalized marijuana for medical purposes and 24 have legalized its recreational use. This has contributed to the rapid growth of the marijuana industry, which is estimated to be worth approximately $30 billion.

According to industry groups, relaxing federal regulations could reduce the tax burden, which could be 70% or more for marijuana companies. It could also make marijuana research easier, as it is very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies on Schedule I substances.

(With information from AP)