Staff Reports
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced plans to change the federal status of marijuana, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III. This proposal, put forth by the Biden administration, aims to reduce penalties for marijuana possession. The decision is currently open for public comments for 60 days before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reviews the evidence and makes a final recommendation.
President Joe Biden supports this move, citing the need to correct past injustices related to marijuana laws. He emphasized that individuals should not be incarcerated for using or having marijuana. The Controlled Substances Act has classified marijuana as a highly dangerous drug since 1971, alongside substances like heroin and methamphetamine. If reclassified to Schedule III, marijuana would be considered to have a moderate to low risk of dependency.
Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift https://t.co/ZmDFxxOXYV
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) May 16, 2024
The White House had requested the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess the potential rescheduling of marijuana in October. In 2023, the HHS conducted a thorough scientific and medical review of marijuana and recommended its transfer to Schedule III based on available data at the time.
Conservative opinion: While some may argue that reducing the penalties for marijuana possession is a step in the right direction, it is important to consider the potential consequences of normalizing drug use in society. Marijuana is still a mind-altering substance with known risks to physical and mental health, especially for young people. By reclassifying it to Schedule III, there is a danger of sending a message that its use is less harmful than previously believed. It is crucial to approach drug policy changes with caution and prioritize public health and safety above all else.
