[Infographic] DEA’s Proposed Rules For Marijuana: What You Need To Know
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a groundbreaking change to the federal scheduling of marijuana, aiming to reclassify it from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This move, detailed in a formal notice of proposed rulemaking, reflects the evolving scientific understanding and legal landscape surrounding marijuana, acknowledging its medical use and comparatively lower potential for abuse.
Historic Shift In Marijuana Policy
Initially classified as a Schedule I substance in 1970, marijuana has been a focal point of debate and petition for rescheduling. The last major review in 2016 upheld its Schedule I status, citing high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. However, the legal landscape has significantly changed, with 38 U.S. states and several territories legalizing medical marijuana, prompting a reexamination by federal agencies.
Timeline Of Marijuana’s Federal Scheduling History
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Key Points From The Proposal
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a comprehensive evaluation, leading to the recommendation to reschedule marijuana based on the following eight factors:
Potential for Abuse:
Lower potential for abuse compared to substances in Schedule I and II.
Epidemiological …