In an announcement Thursday, Biden began the formal rulemaking process aimed at reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a designation it has held for over half a century.
The decision comes on the heels of last month’s declaration by the Department of Justice, signaling its intent to pursue the rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III — a recommendation endorsed by the Department of Health and Human Services in the preceding year.
In a statement circulated on social media platform X, President Biden lauded the move as “monumental,” emphasizing its role in rectifying what some view as entrenched disparities. He underscored the administration’s ongoing efforts, citing the record number of federal marijuana possession pardons and initiatives aimed at ameliorating societal barriers for thousands of Americans.
The rulemaking procedure encompasses soliciting public comments, conducting administrative hearings, and culminating in deliberations by the Drug Enforcement Administration before finalizing the decision.
However, marijuana and drug policy experts voiced reservations, expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach to rescheduling. They argue that the shift to Schedule III fails to adequately address the broader issues surrounding marijuana criminalization.
While a Schedule III classification entails reduced penalties compared to Schedule I, it still criminalizes the drug at a federal level.