In a landmark decision, the Justice Department officially announced its intention to reclassify marijuana as a less harmful substance, marking a significant change to decades of U.S. drug policy. The proposed alteration, announced on Thursday, acknowledges the potential medicinal usage of cannabis and admits it possesses a lower potential for abuse compared to some of the country’s most dangerous drugs. However, it does not entirely decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes. Attorney General Merrick Garland approved the plan.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will entertain public feedback on the drafted proposition to move marijuana from its present classification as a Schedule I drug, along with substances such as heroin and LSD. The proposed change will shift marijuana to Schedule III, placing it among substances like ketamine and specific anabolic steroids.
The reclassification follows recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services, which initiated a review of marijuana’s status in 2022 under the direction of Joe Biden.
The proposed reclassification of marijuana, although it remains a controlled substance under Schedule III, indicates a growing acceptance of its usage. However, critics believe the DEA change is unnecessary and can lead to unwanted consequences. A total of 38 states have already legalized medical marijuana, further highlighting the nation’s shift in attitude towards the substance.
However, as the U.S. is set to liberalize its laws regarding marijuana, some countries have gone the other direction. Earlier this month, Thailand announced the reclassification of marijuana as a narcotic.