Everyone (in the cannabis world, at least) is just talking about this: Joe Biden finally reclassifies cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule 3. And for good reason! This decision is a big step towards the reconsideration of marijuana.
Why is it so important? What are the impacts of such a decision, and what does it really change?
We will also return to the reactions that this reclassification of cannabis in the United States generates
Stay tuned for the latest weed news on Le Cannabiste!
Why is Cannabis Reassessment Important?
Here reassessment of cannabis by the Biden administration marks a big step forward. In reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule IIIthe administration officially recognizes its medical benefits, supported by numerous scientific studies.
Joe Biden said (May 16, 2024):
“Today, my administration took an important step to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This is an important step toward eliminating long-standing inequalities.”
This reclassification also removes significant barriers to medical research. The previous classification equated cannabis with dangerous drugs such as heroin, which prevented studies on its therapeutic uses. Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary of the White House, emphasized:
“This decision will remove burdensome and longstanding obstacles to critical research.”
Moreover, this decision is essential for social justice. Many people, especially in marginalized communities, have been criminalized for possession of cannabis. Joe Biden said:
“Nobody should be in jail for just using or possessing marijuana. And that’s all.”
Reclassification can reduce these wrongful convictions and provide opportunities for rehabilitation.
Before that, the American president had expressed his support for the “cannabis community”, publishing it a tweet on 04/20 at 4:20 am ! He said, among other things, that:
“Sending people to prison simply for possession of marijuana has disrupted too many lives and imprisoned people for behaviors that many states no longer prohibit”
“It’s time to right these wrongs.” ยป
No doubt about the position of Biden on cannabis !
Culture Point: United States Drug Classification Appendices
Here’s what you need to know about the controlled substances law : :
Annex I (Annex I)
Characteristics: Substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use and no safe use even under medical supervision.
Examples: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, cannabis (before recent reclassifications), peyote.
Annex II (Annex II)
Characteristics: Substances with a high potential for abuse, with medical uses accepted under strict restrictions. They can lead to severe physical or psychological dependence.
Examples: Cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, Ritalin.
Annex III (Annex III)
Characteristics: Substances with moderate to low abuse potential compared to Schedule I and II substances. They have accepted medical use and can cause moderate or low physical dependence, but high psychological dependence.
Examples: Products containing less than 90 mg of codeine per dosage unit (such as Tylenol with codeine), anabolic steroids, ketamine.
Annex IV (Annex IV)
Characteristics: Substances with little abuse potential compared to Schedule III substances. They have accepted medical use and can cause limited physical or psychological dependence compared to Annex III substances.
Examples: Xanax, Soma, Valium, Ativan, Ambien, Tramadol.
Annex V (Annex V)
Characteristics: Substances with a low abuse potential compared to Schedule IV substances. They have accepted medical use and generally contain limited amounts of certain narcotics.
Examples: Cough medicines containing less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 ml (such as Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Parepectolin.
Justice and Equity: The Positive Consequences of Cannabis Reclassification
The reclassification of cannabis has profound implications for social justice and equity. Indeed, this decision aims to correct the historical injustices that have penalized many millions of Americans for the possession of cannabis. As Joe Biden said,
“Too many lives have been ruined because of the wrong approach to marijuana, and I am committed to righting those wrongs.”
Before this reclassification, approx 500,000 cannabis arrests are recorded each year in the United States. Reclassification could reduce this number significantly.
This measure could significantly reduce convictions related to the possession of cannabis, especially among marginalized communities that have been most affected. Vice President Kamala Harris also emphasized the importance of this reform, recalling that:
“Marijuana is currently classified at the same level as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl. We are finally changing this.”
In addition to reducing sentences, this reclassification opens up new economic opportunities. Legal and regulated cannabis markets can create jobs and generate tax revenue, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economy.
The actions taken by the Biden administration also include initiatives to remove barriers to employment, housing and loans for small businesses, positively affecting tens of thousands of Americans.
Reaction to such a decision
The Biden administration’s reclassification of cannabis has drawn mixed reactions. Many cannabis reform and civil rights advocates hailed the move as a crucial step toward more fair, science-based policy. Organizations like the Marijuana policy project and the Drug Policy Alliance expressed his support, emphasizing the importance of this reclassification for medical research and social justice.
However, some criticisms are heard. Opponents of this decision believe that it is not far enough, because it does not lead to the complete legalization of cannabis. They point to the fact that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level and that this reclassification does not solve all the problems related to its prohibition.
Asa Hutchinson, former administrator of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), said that while the measure is important, it is not enough to harmonize federal and state cannabis laws…
On the part of the legislators, opinions are divided. Some members of Congress, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, reintroduced bills to legalize cannabis at the federal level. Still, the outlook for these projects remains uncertain in a divided Congress. This reclassification could, however, pave the way for future bolder legislative reforms.
A good omen for the future of cannabis?
Here reclassification of cannabis by the Biden administration is a promising sign for the future of this plant in the United States.
By facilitating scientific research and recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, this decision could encourage other countries to review their own policies.
France, in particular, could inspire this approach to modernize its strict cannabis laws…
Legal and regulated cannabis markets could see significant growth from this reclassification. This will not only create economic opportunities, but also safer regulatory frameworks for consumers. States like California and Colorado, which have already legalized cannabis, could serve as models for effective federal implementation.
In addition, this decision paves the way for a more comprehensive reform of the American criminal justice system. Joe Biden has already taken steps to pardon a record number of federal felonies related to the simple possession of marijuana, and this reclassification could accelerate this process. Advocates hope it will lead to a reduction in racial inequality and repair the damage caused by decades of prohibitionist policies.
However, challenges remain. Here 60-day public comment period What follows this announcement will be crucial to determine the acceptance and implementation of this reform. The reactions of various actors, including potential opponents, will influence the next steps.
U Congressional Research Service noted that Congress may need to step in to harmonize federal and state cannabis policies.
The last word…
Here decision to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III marks a historic milestone in American federal politics. It represents a recognition of the medical benefits of cannabis and an effort to correct the injustices of the past, but also the possibility of opening banking services and the promotion of international trade.
Although challenges remain, this progress paves the way for major legislative and social reforms, in the United States and potentially elsewhere in the world.
And yes, to USA, the government will (finally) reclassify cannabis !
Stay tuned to Le Cannabiste to follow all the developments of this reform and its international impacts!
Sources: circ-asso.net / marijuanamoment.net / businessofcannabis.com