Current:Home > StocksFederal health agency recommends easing marijuana restrictions-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Federal health agency recommends easing marijuana restrictions
View Date:2025-01-13 03:58:21
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on marijuana policy, and Senate leaders hailed it Wednesday as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday in a social media post that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request "to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA."
"We've worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously," he added.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.
"HHS has done the right thing," Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said. "DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws."
Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.
- CBS News poll: Large majority favor legal recreational marijuana under federal law
- CBS News poll: Open marijuana use is socially acceptable, most say
According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."
Schedule III drugs "have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence." They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.
Biden requested the review in October 2022 as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of "simple possession" of marijuana under federal law.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. "However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. "If HHS's recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality."
Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.
In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: "We enthusiastically welcome today's news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry."
- In:
- Marijuana
veryGood! (929)
Related
- The Fate of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager's Today Fourth Hour Revealed
- Prince William reveals Kate's and King Charles' cancer battles were 'brutal' for family
- MLB in for 'a different winter'? Hot stove heats up with top free agents, trade targets
- Elwood Edwards, the man behind the voice of AOL’s ‘You’ve got mail’ greeting, dies at 74
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- Another Florida college taps a former state lawmaker to be its next president
- Man who smashed door moments before officer killed Capitol rioter gets 8 years in prison
- Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia Accuses Ex Zach Bryan of Abuse
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky’s Daughter Alexia Engaged to Jake Zingerman
Ranking
- Celtics' Jaylen Brown calls Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo a 'child' over fake handshake
- Liam Payne Case: 3 People Charged With Abandonment of Person Followed by Death
- Officials outline child protective services changes after conviction of NYPD officer in son’s death
- King Charles III Reveals His Royally Surprising Exercise Routine
- Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
- Llamas on the loose on Utah train tracks after escaping owner
- Partial list of nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards
- Another Florida college taps a former state lawmaker to be its next president
Recommendation
-
New Pentagon report on UFOs includes hundreds of new incidents but no evidence of aliens
-
'Jeopardy!' contestant says controversial sexist clue was 'a little uncomfortable'
-
Zach Bryan, Brianna 'Chickenfry' LaPaglia controversy: From Golden Globes to breakup
-
US to tighten restrictions on energy development to protect struggling sage grouse
-
NFL coaches diversity report 2024: Gains at head coach, setbacks at offensive coordinator
-
Flooding closes interstate as heavy rains soak southeast Georgia
-
Another Florida college taps a former state lawmaker to be its next president
-
Georgia Senate Republicans keep John Kennedy as leader for next 2 years