Biden administration poised to weaken weed restrictions, a seismic shift from decades of harsh policies

The Department of Justice will significantly loosen federal cannabis restrictions, marking the biggest shift in drug laws in more than half a century.

The change follows a decade of seismic changes in cannabis policies across the country, with 24 states legalizing possession for adults — representing more than half of the U.S. population — and 38 states establishing medical marijuana programs.

The DOJ’s decision was first reported by the Associated Press, and confirmed to POLITICO by an administration official familiar with the matter who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. That official stressed the move is not yet a done deal, but confirmed the process is heading toward a reclassification.

“If today’s reporting proves true, we will be one step closer to ending the failed war on drugs,” Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) said in a statement. “The Biden-Harris Administration is listening.”