TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The federal government is looking for feedback on loosening restrictions on marijuana. The Justice Department is taking steps toward reclassifying marijuana as a lower-risk drug.
For more than 50 years, the government has classified marijuana as a Schedule I substance, alongside drugs like heroin and ecstasy. Schedule I drugs are considered to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse and are subject to the strongest restrictions. The Justice Department recommends marijuana be reclassified as Schedule III, the same level as prescription drugs.
Florida Cannabis Action Network president Jodi James has spent decades advocating for this move.
“I think the federal rescheduling has always been a problem and that’s why we are so excited to see some motion happening,” James said.
The rescheduling process takes time, potentially years. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get marijuana now. You can already get weed if you have a medical card in the Sunshine State despite the federal classification. And in November, voters will decide if Florida will join 24 other states and allow recreational use.
“We want to make sure that cannabis is accessible to people who want to use it, that it’s safe, and it’s affordable,” James said.
One of the most vocal critics in Florida is Governor Ron DeSantis. He has repeatedly spoken against the proposed amendment.
“I don’t want this state to be reeking of marijuana. We’re doing fine. We don’t need to do that,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a news conference on April 30,
The public comment period for the marijuana rescheduling is open for 60 days. Then there will be a review process and potential legal challenges before the rescheduling can happen.
President Biden has pardoned federal marijuana offenders including some in Florida. Biden also urged state governors to take similar steps.
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