President Joe Biden publicly endorsed the reclassification of marijuana to a less dangerous category on Thursday, highlighting a significant step taken by his administration toward this historic change.
The Justice Department has submitted a 92-page rulemaking notice to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This initiates a 60-day period for public comments before the final rule is published and adopted.
In a video posted on social media, Biden described the reclassification as “monumental” and “an important move toward reversing long-standing inequities.” These were his first public comments on the proposal since media reports last month revealed the Justice Department’s recommendation for this major shift in marijuana policy, the most significant federal change since marijuana was first outlawed.
While the plan doesn’t legalize marijuana federally, changing its status from a Schedule I drug—a category for highly dangerous, addictive substances with no medical use—signals a major shift in the government’s perspective on marijuana. Schedule III drugs are considered to have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and include substances like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids.
Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.
So today, the @TheJusticeDept is taking the next step to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law.
Here's what that means: pic.twitter.com/TMztSyyFYm
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 16, 2024
This reclassification effort comes as Biden seeks to bolster support among key Democratic groups ahead of the November election, particularly young voters, who have shown less enthusiasm for the president compared to 2020. According to a poll by Democratic firm Lake Research Partners, voters aged 18 to 25 overwhelmingly support the rescheduling of marijuana by a 65%-18% margin.
In 2022, Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services to review marijuana’s classification, and last year, HHS recommended it be moved to Schedule III. The Justice Department conducted its own analysis and concurred with this recommendation.
Biden emphasized that this move builds on his record number of pardons for individuals federally convicted of simple marijuana possession. He also noted his efforts to remove barriers to housing, small business loans, and employment.
“Look folks, no one should be in jail merely for using or possessing marijuana—period,” Biden said. “Far too many lives have been upended because of a failed approach to marijuana. And I’m committed to righting those wrongs. You have my word on it.”
