KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration may soon reclassify marijuana. The reclassification could impact the nation and would be a huge shift, from what we’ve historically seen.
The proposal still needs to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, and it could be a long road ahead. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule One drug. Don Bosch, an attorney in East Tennessee, said that means it has no medicinal value and can likely cause addictions or medical problems.
The new proposal would drop it down to a Schedule Three drug.
“It was scheduled with drugs like heroin and LSD, and ecstasy. Now, it’s on the same schedule as Tylenol with Codeine, Ketamine," said Bosch.
Schedule Three drugs are still considered controlled substances, but may not carry as severe penalties.
“Opinions have changed about marijuana, particularly as states have legalized it,” said Courtney Fuson with Metro Drug Coalition. “It’s important to remember marijuana is still a mind-altering substance."
The reclassification wouldn’t change any laws or anyone serving time for marijuana charges.
“[It] will have no impact on ending any current prosecutions that are being brought, either state or federal,” says Bosch. “Or reducing or eliminating sentences.”
But it will change some things, like the research into marijuana. It also poses major impacts on the cannabis industry in the U.S.
“Nationally funded healthcare groups can do human studies on the use of marijuana, as it relates to medicine," he said. “Now (cannabis businesses) can conduct ordinary business expenses that the sellers, the lawful sellers of schedule one and schedule two drugs could not. Like rent, salaries, business expenses.”
After review, the proposal will go through a public commentary period and be reviewed by an administrative judge. President Joe Biden and Congress would also need to sign off on it.