In a historic shift from decades of U.S. drug policy, the Justice Department has formally proposed reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance. A rule sent to the Federal Register recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse compared to some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs.
The proposal aims to move marijuana from its current status as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin and LSD, to Schedule III, where it would be grouped with ketamine and some anabolic steroids. However, this move would not outright legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The rescheduling plan comes after a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services, which conducted a review of marijuana’s status at the urging of President Joe Biden in 2022.
“This is monumental,” Biden stated, calling it an important step toward reversing long-standing inequities caused by the failed approach to marijuana policy.
The announcement ahead of the election year is intended to boost Biden’s flagging support, particularly among far-Left voters angered at his waffling stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will open a 60-day public comment period on the proposed reclassification, which may then undergo review by an administrative judge – a potentially lengthy process.
Supporters argue rescheduling reflects marijuana’s increasing decriminalization and mainstream acceptance. The U.S. Cannabis Council praised the move as “a tectonic shift away from failed policies of the last 50 years.” Meanwhile, critics contend rescheduling is unnecessary and could enable harmful side effects.
The proposal acknowledges that while marijuana “is associated with a high prevalence of abuse,” its potential more closely aligns with other Schedule III substances based on available data, marking a pivot from stringent policies that have lagged behind many states legalizing medical or recreational cannabis.