This move does not decriminalize weed federally but does lessen the punishments, and opens the door for more medical testing and research.CLEVELAND, Ohio -With the new classification weed will still be listed an illegal substance federally, just with lower penalties.On Monday, Dr. Rahul Gupta, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, spent time with Cleveland 19 to explain why President Joe Biden has been pushing for this move since 2022.
“We’ve known for years that the outdates policies of marijuana have upended to many lives,” Gupta said. “It’s time to catchup with the science that exists. We know that while marijuana use is similar with all populations the Black and brown populations are arrest, incarcerated way too far.” Gupta said the punishments for being caught with marijuana as a Schedule I drug have a lasting impact on a persons life and career.
When asked if this sends a message to the public that, while still illegal, it’s now ok to smoke weed, Gupta delivered a clear message. “Frist of all we’re not declassifying it,” Gupta said. “Second of all, we’ve got to make sure people understand that when it comes to children especially those up to age of about 22 to 25, know that you’re brain is still developing and any substance, any substance including marijuana is harmful to the development of the brain.”