Earlier today, news broke that the Biden Administration intends to reschedule marijuana following an extensive review by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lasting over eight months.
This move has now been confirmed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the first time.
According to Xochitl Hinojosa, Director of Public Affairs at the DOJ, “Today the Attorney General circulated a proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.”
This proposal, once published in the Federal Register, will initiate a formal rulemaking process mandated by Congress in the Controlled Substances Act.
After publication in the Federal Register and approval by the White House Office of Management and Budget, a 30-day public comment period will commence, followed by an official hearing.
Barring any unexpected reversal by the DEA, marijuana is poised to be rescheduled following the completion of these steps.
Marijuana is currently categorized as a Schedule I drug under existing law, making it illegal for all purposes.
Reclassifying it to Schedule III would effectively legalize its nationwide use for medical prescriptions.
This adjustment would also extend federal protections to state-legal medical marijuana patients and businesses, which are presently lacking under the current classification.
The DEA’s announcement comes after the Department of Health and Human Services conducted a review, prompted by President Biden’s request, over eight months ago. The move represents a significant shift in federal drug policy regarding marijuana.
