The U.S. Department of Justice recently put forward a groundbreaking proposal that not only could drastically ease long-standing restrictions on marijuana, but also opened the door to an in-depth study of its medical uses. This bold initiative, originally announced in April, aims to downgrade cannabis from the current Tier 1 controlled drug to Tier 3, marking a major turning point in the country's drug policy.
According to British media on May 17, according to the current regulations, marijuana is classified as a first-class controlled drug, alongside heroin and other highly addictive substances with no medical value. The proposed tertiary downgrade classifies it with drugs such as ketamine and codeine-containing Tylenol, which are treated differently because of their lower potential for abuse and recognized medical use.
This classification adjustment is a recognition of the growing scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain, disease-related anorexia, and nausea and vomiting, and this conclusion has also been confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Based on "credible scientific evidence," the FDA's assessment further emphasizes that cannabis does not exhibit unacceptably high safety risks for medical use. This development is an important step in acknowledging the potential of cannabis in the medical field and a major breakthrough in its traditional stigma.
The impetus for this progress can be traced back to U.S. President Joe Biden, who in 2022 fulfilled his campaign promise by ordering a sweeping review of the classification of marijuana, a move that was particularly warmly welcomed by his progressive voter base.
Currently, nearly 40 states in the U.S. have significant differences in marijuana regulations, and many have allowed it to be used for medical and even recreational purposes.
If implemented, this reclassification would have far-reaching implications that go far beyond symbolism. It will remove barriers to research and promote an in-depth understanding of the medical potential of cannabis.
At the same time, it may also lead to a reduction in cannabis-related criminal penalties, reflecting a more nuanced and compassionate approach to drug policy. In addition, there will be economic changes, with cannabis companies expected to list on major stock exchanges and enjoy more favorable tax treatment.
Notably, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Advice issued a key legal opinion criticizing the U.S. Drug Administration's (DEA) traditional criteria for judging the medical use of drugs too narrowly, and calling for greater adherence to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) scientific and medical evaluations. In August last year, the HHS Assistant Health Secretary had recommended that the DEA downgrade cannabis to Level 3, highlighting the health department's unanimous view on this.
Despite the HHS recommendation, the DEA has yet to make a final decision, and the industry and beyond are closely watching.
However, the trend of change seems unstoppable. If the federal government relaxes its stance, cannabis businesses will see upheaval, including easier access to banking services. Currently, most U.S. banks are refusing to service cannabis companies due to federal bans, forcing these companies to operate primarily in cash, a situation fraught with security risks and logistical challenges.
As part of this transition process, the public has 60 days to comment on the DOJ's proposal. This inclusive approach invites stakeholders, researchers, patients, and ordinary citizens to participate in the discussion.
This critical moment in drug policy in the United States is not only a legal adjustment, but also a symbol of social evolution. It reflects the growth of social consensus, recognizes the medical value of cannabis, and acknowledges the need for policy-based rather than ideological. By easing restrictions, the United States is aligning with the global trend toward de-embargoing and legalization, acknowledging the failure of the "war on drugs" and taking a more humane and science-driven approach.
In addition to the direct impact on healthcare, research, and business, this change has far-reaching societal implications. It shows a willingness to redress the injustices that unfairly affect communities, especially communities of color, due to draconian drug laws. By rethinking the status of cannabis, the United States is moving towards a different era.