Today marks the final day for the public to submit comments on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) proposal to reschedule marijuana.
This comment period, a legally required 60-day window, was initiated on May 21 when the DEA published their proposal in the Federal Register. The comment period officially closes today, July 22, at 11:59 EDT. Comments can be submitted by clicking here.
Currently there are over 36,000 comments submitted. An analysis reveals that more than 50% of these comments advocate for the DEA to fully deschedule marijuana. When combined with those urging the DEA to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, the support rises to over 70%. In contrast, only 8% of comments oppose the proposal, arguing to maintain marijuana as a Schedule I drug.
Since the Controlled Substances Act was enacted in 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal for all purposes. The DEA’s current proposal to move marijuana to Schedule III would acknowledge its medical value, allowing its compounds and medicines to be prescribed nationwide upon regulatory approval. This reclassification would also offer federal protections to state-legal medical marijuana businesses and patients, including the ability for licensed marijuana businesses to take IRS tax deductions.
Once the public comment period closes on Monday, July 22, the DEA will then conduct a full review of each comment submitted. This process can take weeks or months, although it’s worth noting that President Biden ordered this to be reviewed “expeditiously”. After reviewing and assessing the comments, the DEA has the option of holding a public hearing on the matter, although this is not a legal requirement.
When the DEA reaches a final decision, they will announce it in the Federal Register, specifying the effective date of the change.
Polling data released in May indicates that two-thirds of U.S. voters support the move to reclassify marijuana.
