WASHINGTON (AP) — Several lawmakers who represent Memphis in the state legislature are cheering a historic proposal to reclassify marijuana Tuesday.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to downgrade marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
The DEA’s proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use.
The agency’s move, confirmed to the AP on Tuesday by five people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive regulatory review, clears the last significant regulatory hurdle before the agency’s biggest policy change in more than 50 years can take effect.
The move has some Democrats who represent Memphis at the state level voicing their support:
Sen. London Lamar, Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman: “Reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug at the federal level is a historic decision driven by common sense. Republican lawmakers have kept Tennessee in the dark ages on marijuana policy – wasting our tax dollars locking people up for a plant. While my ultimate goal is still legalization in Tennessee, this is incredible news for folks who would benefit right now from natural medical cannabis to treat chronic pain or illness.”
Rep. Jesse Chism: “I’m greatly encouraged by the possibility of the DEA recommending that marijuana be reclassified down from a Schedule One drug. Our state has spent millions and millions of taxpayer dollars to enforce cannabis laws that are outdated and harmful to a lot of people, including many Tennesseans who are trying to get relief from painful chronic medical issues. In addition to wasting those dollars, we’ve completely ignored the financial benefits that could be coming the state’s way. I’ve filed several pieces of legislation ranging from allowing medical use to decriminalization to even trying to put a non-binding referendum on the ballot to hear from Tennessee’s voters. The main point of contention has always been its federal classification. Hopefully, with this movement, we can start the ball rolling soon and begin having serious discussions here in Tennessee.”
Once OMB signs off, the DEA will take public comment on the plan to move marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. It moves pot to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids, following a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department. After the public comment period and a review by an administrative judge, the agency would eventually publish the final rule.
It comes after President Joe Biden called for a review of federal marijuana law in October 2022 and moved to pardon thousands of Americans convicted federally of simple possession of the drug. He has also called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.
The election-year announcement could help Biden, a Democrat, boost flagging support, particularly among younger voters.
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said in December. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
