This is a big shift.
Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recently published findings indicating that marijuana exhibits a lower potential for abuse compared to other drugs under similar restrictions. Their recommendation is to reclassify marijuana into a less hazardous drug category, challenging its current Schedule I classification alongside substances like heroin and LSD.
The reconsideration of marijuana’s classification began in 2022, initiated by President Joe Biden, who tasked U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the attorney general with reviewing its federal scheduling. As part of this process, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Rachel Levine advocated for reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III drug, a category including substances like ketamine, testosterone, and Tylenol with codeine.
The recently posted FDA documents outline the agency’s recommendation to reschedule marijuana based on three criteria: a lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I and II substances, an accepted medical use, and a low or moderate risk of physical dependence in those who misuse it. This recommendation is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Despite marijuana’s prevalent recreational use, the research suggests it does not lead to the severe outcomes associated with drugs like heroin or cocaine. Additionally, the findings lend scientific support to specific therapeutic uses of marijuana, such as addressing anorexia, pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The scientists highlighted that marijuana withdrawal is primarily reported in heavy, chronic users, and it appears relatively mild compared to alcohol withdrawal, which can involve more serious symptoms like agitation, paranoia, seizures, and even death.
If the FDA adopts these recommendations, the potential rescheduling of marijuana could open avenues for more research, grant greater financial flexibility to cannabis businesses, and relieve these businesses from a tax code that currently restricts credits and deductions. However, final decisions on changes to marijuana’s scheduling rest with the DEA, subject to a public comment period. Currently, 24 states, two territories, and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, while 38 states permit the medical use of cannabis products.
Discussion about this post