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In an apparent attempt to court younger voters, the current administration is pushing for marijuana to be rescheduled to a lower level. Because the science does not support such a move, the narrative being spun is how reclassification will promote "restorative justice" – righting the wrongs of the past and benefitting entire segments of the population who were disproportionately affected by historically harsh drug laws.
But what if this lofty goal is nothing more than a pie-in-the-sky political promise intended only to sway voters and appease the interests of the powerful
industrialized Big Marijuana companies?
While there is an argument to be made that drug policy needs to be compassionate with a focus on treatment and recovery instead of punitive with a focus on incarceration, reclassifying marijuana does ZERO to address those issues.
What is Being Said?
"It's an important move toward reversing longstanding inequities…Look, folks, no one should be in jail merely for using or possessing marijuana. Period. Far too many lives have been upended because of [our] failed approach to marijuana, and I'm committed to righting those wrongs."
~ President Joe Biden, in a video posted in May 2024
The president's rhetoric is meant to convince people who are undecided about the issue of marijuana reclassification/legalization or about who they are voting for in this election that rescheduling is a panacea that will solve the problems of both the past and the present.
As Kevin Sabet stated in The Baltimore Sun, "The marijuana industry uses arguments about racial equity as a guise to advance its financial interests. It's a myth not supported by an honest assessment of the industry and its practices."
Empty Promises
The reality, of course, is something altogether different.
For example, rescheduling cannabis does not:
- Free a single Federal prisoner.
- Pardon anyone who was convicted of a marijuana-related crime.
- Expunge criminal records.
- Ease legal difficulties resulting from those convictions – i.e., housing, employment, etc.
- Remove barriers to citizenship for anyone with past marijuana convictions.
Pro-cannabis special interests try to drum up support for their agenda by linking rescheduling with all of the above, but they are entirely separate issues. Wherever and however these problems can be addressed, the solutions can be found without changing how this drug is classified.
Who Does Marijuana Reclassification Really Benefit?
The question then becomes one of who stands to benefit if marijuana is rescheduled.
Answer: The Big Cannabis Industry.
If finalized, this move would be a huge financial boon to cannabis businesses:
- Tax credits and deductions
- A lower effective tax rate
- Improved access to banking services
- Greater profitability
- Enhanced investment opportunities
None of these promotes social justice – it only boosts the bottom line for the cannabis industry.
The Bottom Line About Marijuana Reclassification and Restorative Justice
People who believe this narrative are being sold a pig in a poke as the "benefits" of rescheduling are exaggerated and misrepresented, putting us all on a dangerous and slippery path.
We already know the short-term effects of expanded marijuana legalization – addiction, poorer mental and physical health, child poisonings, increased crime, etc. By the time we suffer the long-term consequences to individual users, families, and society, the damage will already be done.
While rescheduling will not immediately lead to decriminalization, it does give the industrialized marijuana industry another foothold from which to push its addiction-for-profit agenda.
The ultimate decision on rescheduling marijuana falls to the Drug Enforcement Administration. It's not a voting issue that will be on a ballot.
The DEA is asking for public comments during the review process. Please do your civic duty and take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard. It is critical for you to submit your comments electronically using this link.
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