A recent move by the DEA suggests that cannabis isn’t as harmful as we’ve thought. In a shocking and landmark measure, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is set to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
Even though this move wouldn’t amount to cannabis legalization, it is a historic measure that, pending approval by the White House, will alter decades of U.S. drug policy. What the DEA plans to do is to lower the danger rating of cannabis, which is also known as marijuana.
This implies that the federal government believes that the drug has a lower potential for abuse than they previously thought. If the plan scales through, cannabis will enjoy a new status as a less dangerous drug than its former peers, such as heroin and LSD.
The move is subject to approval by the White House Office of Management and Budget, which is the last major step separating the drug from its newly proposed status. Once the drug scales this hurdle, its planned move from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III is almost a done deal.
If the OMB gives its nod, the next step is for the DEA to sample public opinion on the matter. Given that public sentiment largely tilts towards the move, this step should be a pretty easy one. After that, the move will face the scrutiny of an administrative judge.
After the judge gives the move a go-ahead, the DEA can then announce the new classification. Cannabis will then join other schedule III drugs, such as ketamine and a number of anabolic steroids.
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A Crucial Move for the Biden Administration
The move isn’t just a random decision. It is a deliberate and important step by the Biden administration, especially in an election year. Many social commentators see the move as a strategy to warm its way to the younger voting population, who would be excited by the news.
The move, which has taken the nation a few steps closer to cannabis legalization, started in October 2022. At the time, President Biden began by calling for another look at the federal marijuana law. He wanted the legislature to reduce how much the law frowned upon cannabis use.
Before this time, the president had matched words with action. He had previously ordered the pardoning of thousands of Americans with federal convictions regarding a mere possession of the drug. Both democrats and republicans have been calling for the softening of the stance by the law towards cannabis.
The bipartisan push is fueled by the growing acceptance of the drug amongst the populace. A recent poll has revealed that 70% of Americans are in favor of decriminalizing cannabis. This is a massive change from the 30% that shared the view in 2020.
In addition to his administration’s efforts, Biden has called on local leaders to contribute their bit. “Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” he stated in December 2023. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
What Are the Pros and Cons of Cannabis?
Over the years, medical experts have uncovered several health benefits of consuming cannabis. One of which is its pain-relief capabilities. Cannabis has over 120 components, which scientists refer to as cannabinoids.
According to Dr. Staci Gruber of Harvard Medical School in Boston, “There is an awful lot of evidence suggesting that for some people with some types of pain, certain cannabinoids work relatively effectively.”
Gruber, who is an associate professor of psychiatry, added, “We have certainly seen in our observational studies that individuals cut down on their use of opioids on their own after initiating a course of cannabinoids.” Interestingly, research has also shown that cannabis can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, prevent seizures, and even combat cancer.
On the other hand, cannabis has its harmful side. Researchers have found links between prolonged use of cannabis and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmia. It is also known to be harmful to pregnancy.
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What Is the US Safe Act Cannabis?
The US Safe Act, more properly known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act (SAFER), is a regulation that offers protection to individuals and groups involved in the cannabis industry.
The U.S. legislature formulated the legislation in response to the cannabis industry’s inability to secure funding from financial institutions. Most banks deny cannabis companies access to funds due to marijuana’s illegal status as per federal laws.
However, the Safe Act will ensure that all cannabis-related businesses no longer suffer this discrimination. The legislation also facilitates easy access to insurance, deposit accounts, and other financial services.
Where Is Cannabis Legal in Europe?
Over the decades, cannabis hasn’t felt welcome in most parts of Europe. To date, many European regions frown at the substance. But in recent times, many territories in the continent have become more lenient.
The cheering news for cannabis lovers is that over 20 European countries allow its use as medicine. This is a significant step towards full cannabis legalization. Germany was the first superpower country to legalize the substance when it did so in 2022. Malta also did so in 2021.
Other countries that have legalized marijuana to a significant degree include Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Where Is Cannabis Legal in the US?
Some states in the US have also legalized cannabis and its sister variant, hemp, for recreational use. So far, there are 24 states on this list. These include California, Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, and Oregon. Others are Michigan, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Montana, Virginia, New Jersey, Missouri, Delaware, Ohio, Minnesota, and New York.
In many other states, the subject remains under deliberation. While some states only allow people to grow weed for recreational purposes, others only allow it for medicinal purposes.
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