The DEA is considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, a move that could broaden access to the drug in the United States. While marijuana would still be federally illegal, the change in classification would put it in the same category as prescription drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids, which have lower potential for abuse and accepted medical applications.
There is evidence to suggest that marijuana has therapeutic benefits, such as treating chronic pain, nausea, vomiting in cancer patients, and certain neurological conditions like seizures. However, reclassifying the drug could have public health consequences, as 30% of marijuana users have marijuana use disorder, causing problems in various areas of their lives. With more than 48 million Americans using marijuana, this could mean 14.4 million Americans with marijuana use disorder.
The health effects of marijuana use can also be detrimental, including lung damage from smoking the drug, increased risk of bronchitis and obstructive lung disease, and cognitive effects on thinking, attention, memory, and coordination. Long-term use of marijuana can permanently affect the brain’s ability to support learning and memory, as well as increase the risk of mental health issues such as suicidal ideations and social anxiety disorder.
As marijuana becomes more normalized in American culture, the effects of impaired driving and public safety will also be amplified. Marijuana impairs balance, coordination, and judgment, all necessary for safe driving. Unlike alcohol, which has established legal limits for driving under the influence, determining impairment from marijuana use has not been standardized legally across America, posing risks for potential accidents and injuries on the road.
While reclassifying marijuana could potentially help with medical treatments, its negative effects on public health and safety cannot be ignored. More research is needed to fully understand the drug’s health impacts, and legal limits for driving under the influence of marijuana must be established to protect Americans on the road. The reclassification of marijuana could have dire public health implications that need to be carefully considered.
