Biden makes cannabis reclassification official in the U.S.

The President Joe Biden announced a decisive step in federal cannabis policy, asking his administration to reclassifying cannabis in federal legislation. The decision follows an extensive administrative review ordered by Mr. Biden, which has been described as a «monumental» action.

The rule proposed by the ministry of justice aims to make the Cannabis the’appendix I to the’annex III of the controlled substances act (CSA). This adjustment would significantly alter the legal status of cannabis, recognizing its medical value and relatively low abuse potential compared to more dangerous substances.

The importance of re-evaluating cannabis

«This is a monumental event,» said Joe Biden in a video announcing the reclassification news.

«Today, my administration took an important step by reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This is an important step toward eliminating long-standing inequalities.».

Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.

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So today, the @TheJusticeDept is taking the next step to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law.

Here's what that means: pic.twitter.com/TMztSyyFYm

- President Biden (@POTUS) May 16, 2024

By reclassifying cannabis in Schedule III, the authorities are acknowledging the scientific evidence of its medical benefits, This represents a break with the previous classification, which equated it with drugs such as heroin.

The vice-president Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment, pointing out in particular that the gap between current drug classifications.

«Currently, marijuana is classified at the same level as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl. We're finally going to change that. But I want to thank all the advocates and everyone who helped make this possible, and we're well on our way to making it happen.».

This change not only reclassifies cannabis, but also confirms the administration's commitment to science-based policy reform.

Impact on criminal justice and social equity

Joe Biden's announcement also highlighted the wider social and legal implications of this reclassification.

«Today's announcement builds on the work we've already done to pardon a record number of federal offenses related to simple marijuana possession. It builds on the steps we've taken to remove barriers to housing, jobs, small business loans and more for tens of thousands of Americans.».

The reclassification of cannabis is seen as a crucial step in the fight against the injustices that have plagued the cannabis industry. disproportionately affected marginalized communities.

«No one should be in jail for simply using or possessing marijuana. Period,» Biden said. «Far too many lives have been turned upside down because of a misguided approach to marijuana, and I'm committed to fixing those mistakes. You have my word.

The statement is part of a wider effort to reform the criminal justice system and reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use.

Legislative and regulatory changes

The announcement of White House comes shortly after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confirmed its intention to reclassify cannabis. The DEA's decision is a direct response to Mr. Biden's directive, and follows a notice of proposed rulemaking from the Department of Justice.

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, emphasized the importance of this decision at a press briefing.

«As the President Biden during his campaign, No one should go to jail for using or possessing marijuana,» she declared, calling the move to Schedule III a 'major step forward».

«The reform will remove long-standing and cumbersome obstacles to basic research,» added Ms. Jean-Pierre, noting that it follows on from the massive pardons granted by the president.

Public and political reaction

The rescheduling proposal is expected to attract considerable public attention during the 60-day consultation period. Public reaction is likely to be mixed, reflecting the current debate on cannabis policy in the United States. On the one hand, many cannabis advocates welcome the re-evaluation as a recognition of its medical value and a step towards wider legalization. On the other hand, some activists feel that the re-evaluation does not go far enough, as it does not fully legalize cannabis or address all the harms caused by its prohibition.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) also weighed in, suggesting that while the DEA is likely to adopt the policy change, it won't be enough to bring state markets into compliance with federal law. The CRS noted that Congress still has the power to bridge the gap between federal and state cannabis policy, whether before or after the reform is passed.

Future legislative efforts

In Congress, the momentum to reform cannabis laws continues. The Senate Majority Leader , Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and his colleagues have reintroduced a bill to legalize cannabis at the federal level and impose certain regulations. However, the bill's prospects remain uncertain in a divided Congress. The top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives also said that the Biden administration's decision to reclassify cannabis was a «step in the right direction», but needed to be complemented by Congressional action.

Former DEA administrator , Asa Hutchinson, commented on the likely re-evaluation of cannabis, stating that it «absolutely appears» that the agency will go all the way in moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This administrative measure is seen as an important change in federal drug policy, even if it does not go as far as full legalization.