DEA moves to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III
The United States Government is moving to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug in a historic shift. The latest proposal from the DEA, which still must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge that it has less potential for abuse.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden’s request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”
“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.
According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs “have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse.”
Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.
Does that mean recreational cannabis use is finally federally legal? Alas, no.
Then why are we celebrating?
While this is definitely NOT the same as legalizing it, it is still a step in the right direction. Because of its current scheduling, funding for cannabis research is limited or non-existent simply because it is listed as a Schedule I drug. In other words, scientists and researchers are barred from conducting studies to further understand the wonders of the plant.
This reclassification will not only open the doors to research, it will also open doors for small businesses (like Lucy’s!) by lifting the unfair burden of tax code 280E that is currently placed on thousands of legal cannabis businesses.
What happens next?
The proposed changes will be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget before the DEA initiates a public comment period.
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