President Joe Biden’s announcement of a review of federal regulations on marijuana two years ago has led to a significant change in federal drug policy. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has begun the process of reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, moving it from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III substance. This change, though still in the approval process, would not legalize marijuana nationally but would acknowledge its medical uses and facilitate research on the drug. Many states have already taken steps to legalize marijuana, with 24 states and Washington, D.C. allowing it for all adults, and 13 states permitting it for medical use.
The legalization of marijuana for recreational use has occurred in 24 states, with Colorado and Washington being the first to do so in 2012, followed by others like California, New York, and Virginia. These states have also legalized medicinal marijuana, along with an additional 13 states. Some states have decriminalized recreational use while still prohibiting it, while others have legalized only medicinal use but maintained penalties for recreational possession. US territories like Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have also allowed both medical and recreational use of marijuana, while Puerto Rico has only legalized medical cannabis.
The proposed new rules for federal regulation of marijuana would reclassify it as a Schedule III substance, recognizing its medical benefits and reducing its potential for dependence. This proposal follows a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services and could drastically impact the federal control of marijuana if approved. The process for implementing these new rules involves a series of steps, including analysis from the White House Office of Management and Budget, a public comment period, and an administrative hearing to consider all evidence related to the rule change before a final decision is made.
While the new federal rules for marijuana regulation could take a few months to come into effect, there is widespread support for the legalization of marijuana among Americans. A January 2024 poll by the Pew Center showed that 88% of Americans believe marijuana should be legal for either medical or recreational use. However, there is a significant age divide in opinions, with younger Americans being more supportive of legalization than older generations. Despite this broad support, the implementation of the new federal rules could face opposition and potential delays through additional judicial review.
As the landscape of marijuana regulation continues to evolve both at the federal and state levels, the industry surrounding marijuana has grown, leading to the development of accessories like precision dosing vapes. With changing regulations and attitudes towards marijuana, the future of its legality and use in the United States remains uncertain but reflects a growing acceptance of its medical benefits and low potential for harm.
