WASHINGTON, DC - Today, President Biden personally announced that his Justice Department will reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.
“This is monumental,” said President Biden. “Today my administration took a major step to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to Schedule 3. It’s an important move to reverse longstanding inequities.”
The announcement builds on work toward pardoning people for simple possession of weed, and lifting barriers to housing, jobs, and small business loans, he said.
“Look folks, no one should be in jail for merely using or possessing marijuana,” President Biden said. “Period. Far too many lives have been upended because of a failed approach to marijuana, and I’m committed to righting those wrongs. You have my word on it.”
Here is Vice President Kamala Harris’ statement:
In 1971, the DEA added cannabis to the list of Schedule 1 Controlled Substances. Authorities deemed it to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse. Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, ecstasy, and quaaludes.
According to the DEA’s own definition, Schedule III substances present “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” Cannabis’ new classification puts it on par with Tylenol, codeine, and testosterone.
The DEA’s recommendation for rescheduling now goes up for public comment.
After the DEA reviews and considers the public comments, and after any requested hearing, the DEA will issue a final order to reschedule marijuana.
The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to up to a year.
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