In a recent development, federal scientists are advocating for the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, in an effort to make it more accessible for therapeutic purposes. This move comes after researchers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote a letter in August, listing several factors supporting the downgrading of marijuana's drug classification.

Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), a category typically reserved for substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use. However, the FDA scientists in their letter argued that marijuana is less prone to abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs like heroin. They also highlighted its significant potential for medical benefits, particularly in helping patients with anorexia, nausea, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

The proposed reclassification would place marijuana in the same category as prescription drugs like ketamine and testosterone, both deemed to have medical uses. While the scientists acknowledged the presence of physical and psychological dependence associated with marijuana, they stressed that the potential for serious consequences from its use was relatively low, as stated in a 250-page review.

However, there are reported reservations among senior DEA employees regarding the reclassification. The DEA had previously rejected a petition in 2016 that sought to reclassify marijuana due to concerns about its abuse rates. Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor, expressed skepticism about the therapeutic claims associated with cannabis, stating that scientific evidence has shown it can be quite harmful.

President Joe Biden has called for an expedited reevaluation of the drug's classification in October 2022. This request coincided with his decision to pardon numerous inmates who were charged with marijuana possession, signaling a potential shift in the government's stance on the issue. It is worth noting that the FDA has been in continued communication with the DEA, maintaining its position on the matter.

In terms of usage, The New York Times reported a decline in cannabis consumption in the United States. While around 52 million Americans used the drug in 2021, that number dropped to approximately 36 million by December. Presently, marijuana is legal for medical use in 38 states, with around two dozen states also legalizing its recreational use.

As the debate surrounding marijuana's classification continues, the reevaluation by federal scientists and President Biden's call for action suggest a potential shift in the perception and accessibility of marijuana for therapeutic purposes.