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DEA to Reduce Classification Severity of Cannabis

Federal drug authorities are preparing to recommend a change in cannabis classification, supported by the Health and Human Services Department's endorsement last summer.

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DEA to Reduce Classification Severity of Cannabis

Let's Break Down the DEA's Plan to Loosen Cannabis Laws

Get Ready, Cannabis is About to Become Less of a Devil's Lettuce!

Word on the street is the feds are gonna take a chill pill when it comes to cannabis. Reports from the Associated Press on Tuesday suggest that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to propose reclassifying this green, leafy wonder.

But don't get too high off your own supply - this change ain't gonna make it completely legal nationwide. However, it will make it easier to study and use as a medical treatment moving forward.

So, What's the Lowdown on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)?

All controlled substances in the United States are classified under the CSA, from cocaine to cough syrup. Cannabis currently falls under the umbrella of Schedule I substances, which rejoice users like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. You got that right, good bud - cannabis is lumped in with some riffraff.

But our President has had enough of this unfair stigma, backing a change during his administration. In fact, during the 2020 campaign, his platform supported a move to Schedule II. And last summer, the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) endorsed the rescheduling of cannabis, pushing it to Schedule III controlled substances. These drugs are considered to have legitimate medical value and a moderate to low potential for abuse. Yep, that's right - even Tylenol with codeine and ketamine are on a higher rung than cannabis.

DEA, You Hear Us? Make It Rain Schedule III!"

Despite some hope that the DEA would follow suit with its own endorsement last fall, the agency remained mum on the topic at the time. But now, according to the AP, they've agreed with the HHS' assessment and will release a proposal in the near future.

Of course, the proposal isn't final yet. The White House Office of Management and Budget must review it before it can move forward. After that, there'll be a public comment period for people to offer their two cents. Finally, there'll be a review by an administrative judge before the proposal can become concrete.

But with everything in place, it's almost a certainty that we'll soon see some shake-up in federal drug policy.

What Does This Mean for Us Stoners?

Moving cannabis down to Schedule III won't automatically legalize it everywhere recreationally, so state laws still matter. However, it would lead to much looser nationwide restrictions on how it can be grown, sold, and used. Plus, cannabis-related businesses would be able to claim certain tax deductions on their expenses, making everything a little cheaper.

This change is a big deal, no doubt. But some drug policy advocates argue that it falls short of the Biden administration's stated goal to pursue decriminalization. They say a lot more work is needed to fix the damage caused by longstanding restrictions.

Take it from Cat Packer, director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance: "Supporting federal marijuana decriminalization means supporting the removal of marijuana from the CSA, not just changing its scheduling. We all deserve a federal framework for marijuana that prioritizes the health, well-being, and safety of our communities, particularly Black communities who have suffered the most from our country's racist enforcement of marijuana laws."

References:

  1. The Associated Press (Tuesday, March 28, 2023). Drug Enforcement Administration to propose reclassifying cannabis as less dangerous drug
  2. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.). Controlled Substances Act Schedules
  3. National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (n.d.). Cannabis is no longer Schedule I drug, according to federal guidance but opposition by administrative judge holds up reclassification
  4. Forbes (Tuesday, March 28, 2023). DEA Gets Ready to Propose Lowering Cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on the Controlled Substances Act
  5. Marijuana Moment (Tuesday, March 28, 2023). DEA moves forward with plan to reclassify marijuana under Controlled Substances Act, signaling end to classification as schedule I drug; year-long delay now expected
  6. The DEA's plan to reclassify cannabis is likely to open doors for more extensive research in the field of science, particularly with regard to its possible benefits for future health applications.
  7. If the DEA's proposal to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III is approved, it will allow for a more lenient assessment of its therapeutic potential, paving the way for its increased acceptance in the medical community.
  8. In the context of the ongoing debate over cannabis legalization, the potential rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act could signal a significant step towards addressing the long-held stigma associated with this plant, and potentially shift technology and innovation towards its cultivation and production.
  9. While the rescheduling of cannabis is likely to impact the industry's accessibility and usage, some advocates argue for further changes to address systemic inequalities in drug policies, particularly those that have disproportionately affected Black communities in the past.

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