United States: The US Justice Department has initiated a significant shift in drug policy by moving to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous substance.
The proposal on Thursday does not completely legalize marijuana for recreational use, as is the case in 24 US states as well as the District of Columbia at the moment. Additionally, marijuana is now legal in thirty-eight US states for medical use.
“Far too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. I’m committed to righting those historic wrongs. You have my word,” Biden said on Thursday on X.
However, in an election year, it might aid Democratic candidate Joe Biden in bolstering waning support from younger voters.
The proposal on Thursday does not completely legalize marijuana for recreational use, as is the case in 24 US states as well as the District of Columbia at the moment. Additionally, marijuana is now legal in thirty-eight US states for medical use.
According to the administration’s proposal, marijuana would move from Schedule I, the most restricted category of banned substances, to Schedule III.
The drug would no longer be seen by the federal authorities in the same light as other harmful and addictive narcotics like heroin, ecstasy, and LSD.
Substances classified as Schedule III are thought to have a moderate to low potential for misuse. They consist of testosterone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.