Some drug policy experts say the Biden administration’s plan to remove marijuana/cannabis from the strictest drug classification would have unintended negative consequences.
In an editorial for the Los Angeles Times, three drug policy researchers argue that downgrading cannabis from Schedule I argued that the move would only put marijuana into the “deeply flawed American pharmaceutical system.”
First, it is necessary to understand the federal government’s drug classification system. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) puts drugs on one of five lists that it calls “schedules.” Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug. This category applies to drugs that are thought to have no known medical benefit but also a high potential for abuse. Other drugs on Schedule I include LSD, peyote, and ecstasy.
Marijuana advocates have argued that the drug does have medical uses for chronic pain, some mental illnesses, and much else. But there is no scientific consensus on this, and experts and studies frequently contradict each other.
The Biden administration plans to move marijuana to Schedule III. This includes what are called “tightly controlled” drugs. The authors of the LA Times opinion article argue that Schedule III is a hodgepodge of disparate drugs such as ketamine, Adderall, testosterone, and more. While these drugs have recognized medical benefits, they are also very powerful and often addictive, and can only be obtained with a prescription, if at all.
Putting marijuana in Schedule III would be a serious mistake, according to the authors, and would be another instance of enacting “misguided” drug regulations. Marijuana has been listed on Schedule I since 1970, when Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act.
Moving the drug to Schedule III would not legalize marijuana with no conditions; drugs on that list are very hard to get a prescription for. But it would make it easier for legitimate medical providers to buy and distribute the drug.
In addition, states and the federal government are in a kind of cold war over the cannabis weed. While it remains strictly illegal according to the federal government, almost half the states have legalized it for recreation, and 38 states make marijuana legal if prescribed by a doctor.
