Marijuanna moving down from Schedule three to one.
The US is going to ease restrictions on marijuana in this momentous shift, but remains a controlled substance. The DEA is planning to take public comment on the plan to move marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside the others such as heroin and LSD. It moves pot to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids, with reference from the federal Health and Human Services Department. After the public comment period and a review by an administrative judge, the agency would eventually publish the final rule.
Even though Schedule III drugs are still controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, people who traffic them without permission will still face federal criminal prosecution. Some critics argue the DEA shouldn’t change course on marijuana, saying rescheduling isn’t necessary and could lead to harmful side effects. That’s honestly fueled fast growth in the marijuana industry, with an estimated worth of $30 billion. Easing federal regulations could reduce the tax burden which is 70% or more for businesses, according to industry groups.
It also makes it easier to research marijuana now since it’s very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies on higher-scheduled substances. Critics point out that as a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain regulated by the DEA. That means every cannabis dispensary in the U.S. will have to register with the DEA like regular pharmacies and fulfill strict reporting requirements, something that they are loath to do and that the DEA is ill-equipped to handle.
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