(RightIsRight.co) – In a move that could put the issue in the spotlight this fall, the U.S. will not decide whether to downgrade marijuana’s classification as a high-risk drug until after the November presidential election.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a hearing for December 2 to discuss potentially reclassifying marijuana, which could push any final decision to the next presidential term.
Cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente mentioned that resolving this before the current president’s term ends would be unusually fast.
This delay brings the candidates’ stances on marijuana into sharper focus.
Kamala Harris supports decriminalizing the drug and has criticized its classification on the DEA’s Schedule I list, which includes substances like heroin and LSD.
Meanwhile, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has recently shown support for a marijuana legalization measure in Florida.
He has also said that people should not be jailed for using the drug, “whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
Joe Biden’s Justice Department proposed this reclassification in May to acknowledge marijuana’s medical benefits and its lower potential for abuse compared to more dangerous drugs.
However, the DEA has not taken a clear position yet and stated it would continue to evaluate the issue.
If approved, the reclassification would be the biggest shift in U.S. drug policy in 50 years and might particularly resonate with younger voters.
Still, not everyone agrees with this potential change. Kevin Sabet from Smart Approaches to Marijuana cautioned against it.
He cited insufficient data and mentioned that 18 states’ attorneys general share his concerns.
The proposal has stirred up mixed feelings in the marijuana industry. While some see the potential benefits, others are frustrated by the delays that they feel favor illegal markets.
The initiative was endorsed by Attorney General Merrick Garland and stems from a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It reflects broader movements across states, many of which have already legalized medical and recreational marijuana.
A recent Gallup poll shows that public support for marijuana legalization has soared to 70% approval.
Rescheduling could also open financial opportunities for the industry, such as federal tax deductions and banking services, which are currently restricted due to marijuana’s legal status.
However, some advocates worry that the political debates around rescheduling are overshadowing the potential benefits for medical marijuana patients.
Copyright 2024, RightIsRight.co
