In a significant move towards the potential nationwide legalization of marijuana, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced plans to loosen federal regulations on the drug. This comes in response to a review request from the Biden Administration last year, signaling a shift in attitudes towards marijuana use.
Despite its legal status in nearly 40 U.S. states, marijuana remains prohibited by several states and at the federal level. However, recent reports indicate that a majority of Americans support reclassifying marijuana as a substance with less danger than drugs like heroin or methamphetamines. This growing support serves as a crucial first step towards broader legalization.
As part of President Biden's directive to the HHS, a scheduling recommendation for marijuana was submitted to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Tuesday. The DEA, responsible for determining drug classifications under the Controlled Substances Act, will now undertake a review based on the scientific and medical evaluation conducted by the HHS.
Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on marijuana has evolved over the years. While she vigorously opposed its legalization during her tenure as California's attorney general, she publicly endorsed descheduling legislation in 2018, emphasizing the need for marijuana regulation.
Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, alongside narcotics such as heroin and ecstasy. This classification signifies a "high potential for abuse" and no recognized medicinal value. However, the HHS recommends reclassifying marijuana to reflect its lower risk of dependence and abuse compared to substances like testosterone and ketamine.
This proposed change could have significant implications beyond legalization. It may facilitate the listing of cannabis industry firms on major stock markets and even open doors for international corporations to engage in business within the United States.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the administration's decision-making process is independent, led by the HHS and the Department of Justice, and guided by evidence. The forthcoming evaluation by the DEA will help inform further steps on this matter.
The news of potential regulatory changes has already impacted the stock market, with shares of various cannabis companies, including Canopy Growth, Tilray Brands, and Cronos Group, experiencing an increase. Industry leaders, such as Verano Holdings and Sunburn Cannabis, have welcomed the HHS's actions, highlighting the long-standing harm caused by marijuana prohibition.
Advocates argue that marijuana can provide a healthier alternative to federally legal drugs like opiates and barbiturates, which often lead to addiction. This is particularly relevant for elderly individuals and veterans grappling with chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2016 revealed an alarming statistic: approximately 20 veterans commit suicide daily, with chronic pain being a contributing factor. There is mounting evidence linking higher opioid dosages to an increased risk of suicide among veterans.
As the journey towards nationwide marijuana legalization continues, these proposed regulatory changes indicate a shift in perceptions surrounding the drug. With evolving attitudes, potential economic benefits, and promising medical applications, the reclassification of marijuana represents a significant development in U.S. drug policy.
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