Potential 'Historic Change' in U.S. Drug Policy; Marijuana Considered 'Low Risk' but Not 'Legal'

On the last day of April, the U.S. Department of Justice announced steps that would mean marijuana will not be legalized, but users will face fewer legal barriers. According to this announcement, marijuana is set to be classified as a 'low-risk drug' in the United States after review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, although recreational use will remain illegal. Currently, marijuana is classified alongside heroin, cocaine, and LSD as a 'Schedule I' substance due to its high potential for abuse and lack of recognized medical use, making its consumption a serious crime. The Department of Justice's proposal to reclassify marijuana as a 'Schedule III' drug would place it in the same category as substances like codeine and anabolic steroids, which have moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. While this change does not fully legalize marijuana for recreational use and regulations regarding its production, distribution, and sale will still be enforced by the federal government, marijuana industry advocates believe this decision will help reduce penalties associated with marijuana use and facilitate scientific research into its potential benefits. It is still unclear when this policy change will be fully implemented, but more details are expected from the Department of Justice and the White House in the coming months. Recreational marijuana use has been legal in Canada, the U.S.'s northern neighbor, since 2018, and is no longer considered a criminal act there. Several other countries have also legalized the use of this substance.