On Friday, January 20th, the federal government waved the white flag in the war on drugs as it regards the cannabis plant.
President Biden issued presidential pardons to any American or lawful permanent resident who has a conviction of cannabis possession on their record.
At the same time, he ordered the Dept. of Health and Human Services to compile a case for the reclassifying of cannabis from a Schedule 1 drug, such as heroin and cocaine, to a Schedule 3 drug, like testosterone and fortified Tylenol.
Decades of advocacy have created a national picture where 38 states have legalized cannabis for medicinal use, and 24 states, two territories, and D.C. have legalized cannabis for recreational use.
The United States FDA Controlled Substance Staff writes in the HHS report that their agency is recommending the rescheduling of cannabis as it meets all three criteria for doing so, namely a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule 2 substances, an existing and established medical use, and a lower psycho-physical dependency potential.
“The marijuana withdrawal syndrome appears to be relatively mild compared to the withdrawal syndrome associated with alcohol, which can include more serious symptoms such as agitation, paranoia, seizures, and even death,” writes the FDA, which added that while there are many unproven claims about the medicinal use of cannabis, there is “credible” scientific evidence for its use in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Sweeping changes would take place if such a rescheduling would occur, which will ultimately be decided by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The already multi-billion dollar cannabis industry would benefit from a much safer banking and tax environment, hundreds of thousands of people, particularly young adults, wouldn’t be turned into criminals by choosing to use a largely harmless substance for recreation, and people—particularly veterans—who live in states where recreational and medicinal cannabis is not available could obtain it safely.
SIMILAR NEWS: Oregon Pardons 45,000 People of Cannabis Possession Charges While Forgiving $14 million in Fines
Relating to the Presidential Pardon, Biden announced the war on drugs had failed, and that it was time to “right these wrongs”.
Anyone who has a possession charge of cannabis, which may be impeding employment or housing opportunities, can apply for a certificate that shows they have been pardoned, and the conviction is off their record, at Justice.gov here.
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs,” Biden said.
MORE GOOD GREEN NEWS: Cannabis Products With High THC Levels Do ‘Cut Chronic Pain’
This does not apply to use imprisoned or convicted of selling cannabis.
A Gallup poll conducted in October 2023 found that 70% of Americans believe cannabis should be completely legalized in all its forms.
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