The Biden-Harris administration has initiated a process to potentially loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, a move that has ignited controversy and debate.
According to a recent opinion piece published by Fox News, this action is being viewed by some as a politically motivated decision with only three months remaining until the election.
The administration's effort centers on rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Currently classified as a Schedule I drug, marijuana is considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The proposed change would move it to a less restrictive category, potentially altering its legal status and regulation.
The process began in October 2022 when President Biden requested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General review marijuana's status as a Schedule I substance. This move was seen as an attempt to fulfill campaign promises and appeal to progressive voters.
In response to the president's request, HHS recommended rescheduling marijuana. However, this recommendation has faced opposition from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which disagrees with the proposed change based on available data.
The disagreement between HHS and the DEA has led to Attorney General Merrick Garland signing the final proposed rule, bypassing the DEA's concerns. This action has raised questions about the scientific and legal basis for the potential rescheduling.
Critics of the rescheduling effort argue that marijuana still meets the criteria for Schedule I drugs, citing its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use in the United States. They point to increasing THC concentrations and associated health risks as reasons to maintain strict controls. William Barr, former U.S. Attorney General, states:
Marijuana is highly addictive: One-third of people who used marijuana in the past year met the criteria for addiction, and half of daily users become dependent on the drug.
Furthermore, marijuana has wide-ranging negative effects on mental and physical health. Long-term cannabis use has been credibly linked to increased risks of psychosis, including schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and hallucinations or paranoia.
Supporters of rescheduling, however, argue that some states have already passed laws allowing medical use of marijuana, suggesting a shift in public perception and potential medical benefits.
One significant consequence of rescheduling marijuana would be its impact on the cannabis industry. Reclassification could allow businesses in the marijuana trade to deduct their expenses as business expenses, effectively providing a form of taxpayer subsidy to the industry.
Critics worry that this change might embolden the cannabis industry to downplay marijuana's addictive potential and health risks, potentially leading to increased use and dependence. There are also concerns about the expansion of marijuana cultivation and distribution by cartels and transnational criminal organizations within the United States.
Proponents of rescheduling argue that it could lead to more research and potentially uncover legitimate medical uses for marijuana. However, opponents maintain that the current lack of FDA approval for marijuana as a treatment for any disease should preclude its reclassification.
The Biden-Harris administration's push to reschedule marijuana has sparked a heated debate about drug policy, public health, and political motivations. As the process moves forward, it will likely continue to generate discussion and controversy among policymakers, health experts, and the public. The outcome of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for drug laws, the cannabis industry, and public health in the United States.
