The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Biden administration has proposed a significant change in federal drug policy by recommending the downgrading of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance. Currently classified alongside heroin and other drugs with a high potential for abuse and no medical uses, this move would categorize marijuana alongside substances like anabolic steroids and ketamine, which have a lower potential for dependence.
Although marijuana is already legal for recreational use in 23 states and approved for medical use in 38 states, it remains illegal at the federal level regardless of its Schedule classification. Fully legalizing marijuana on a federal level would require a more extensive process, involving recommendations from multiple government agencies and congressional action.
While the rescheduling of marijuana would not automatically make it legal at the federal level, it could have significant implications for its use, regulation, and research. It may allow for more studies to be conducted, change taxation and law enforcement policies related to marijuana businesses, and impact the prosecution of marijuana-related offenses.
It’s worth noting that despite the growing bipartisan support for marijuana legalization, concerns about its potential negative effects and risk of abuse still exist. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately one in ten marijuana users can become addicted, with the rate increasing to one in six for those who start using it before the age of 18.
Moreover, marijuana use has been associated with various health problems, including the permanent loss of IQ, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and psychotic episodes. It can also affect timing, movement, coordination, and have adverse effects on fetal brain development and cognitive function if used during pregnancy.
Despite President Biden’s recent encouragement to ease marijuana restrictions, he has expressed reservations about its legalization in the past, referring to it as a “gateway drug.” Nevertheless, his administration has taken steps to review marijuana’s classification and has pardoned individuals convicted of federal marijuana possession crimes.
The HHS has responded to President Biden’s directive by recommending the reclassification of marijuana to the DEA based on scientific evaluation. The final decision and any potential changes will be determined by the DEA after a rulemaking process that includes public comments.
In summary, this proposed change in marijuana’s classification could have far-reaching effects on its use, regulation, and research. While marijuana legalization has gained significant support, concerns about its potential risks and impacts on health remain prevalent. The decision by the HHS is an important step, but the ultimate decision rests with the DEA.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
