DOJ Reclassifies Marijuana As Less Dangerous Drug

The Justice Department (DOJ) on Thursday moved to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous Schedule III drug–the same category as Tylenol with codeine, anabolic steroids and ketamine.

The Details: While reclassification doesn't make recreational usage legal under federal law, it changes how marijuana is regulated. It also sets up an expedited system for state-licensed medical marijuana producers and distributors to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The action also gives licensed medical marijuana operators a large tax break and would allow marijuana-derived medication to go through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s standard drug approval process. Hearings to reclassify marijuana more broadly are set to begin in June.

For Context: Marijuana was previously designated a Schedule I drug–the most restricted drug in line with heroin, LSD and ecstasy. Twenty-four states and Washington, DC have legalized adult recreational marijuana use. Forty have medical marijuana systems and eight allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use. Idaho and Kansas are the only two states that have fully banned marijuana.

Praise for the Move: Several outlets on the left and right covered the news positively, emphasizing its significance and highlighting the opportunity for more marijuana research. Associated Press (Left bias) said the move "represents a major policy shift for the US government," which has historically prohibited marijuana usage. Reuters (Center) highlighted research of the impacts of marijuana on pain management, cancer symptoms and mental health disorders. The New York Post (Lean Right) framed the move as President Trump responding to long-time requests from the public, including those with chronic illnesses.

Business Opportunities: Reuters and Forbes (Center) both highlighted industry praise for the change. CNN (Lean Left) said a full rescheduling of marijuana could "have significant implications for…state-licensed businesses that grow, make and sell cannabis," and noted previous attempts by presidents to change the classification which were never completed. Townhall (Right) said the move will "reduce regulatory burdens" and "make it easier for cannabis companies to secure funding." Reason (Center) noted ambiguity and inconsistency surrounding reclassification criteria and defining "medical utility and abuse potential," but noted the potential for businesses and patients.

Health Concerns: Wall Street Journal (Center) and Blaze Media (Right) both emphasized health concerns surrounding marijuana, including the increase of THC levels in modern products, its addictive properties and the potential for users to develop psychiatric disorders. The Wall Street Journal quoted mental health professionals who warned marijuana can exacerbate anxiety and poses a risk to developing brains in teens. Blaze Media referred to this as information "pro-pot lobbyists" don't want you to know. It also said that "Chinese organized crime…has come to dominate the illegal marijuana trade" in the US through the black market. 

Pushback: Outlets on the right more often highlighted pushback, specifically from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR). Just the News (Lean Right) described Cotton "blast[ing]" the Trump administration over the decision. Daily Mail (Lean Right) quoted other GOP leaders saying the move doesn't lower health insurance costs, provides "retroactive tax relief for previously criminal activities" and calling it "bad policy." Associated Press noted criticism from the chief executive of Smart Approaches to Marijuana who called the Trump administration the "most pro-drug administration in our history," with policy now being "distracted by marijuana CEOs, psychedelics investors and podcasters in active addiction."

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