Jessica Patterson and Isaac Taylor
WASHINGTON DC (WOWK) – The U.S. Department of Justice is formally moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
The proposed rule change recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse. Marijuana has been in the same classification as heroin and LSD. It now moves to a Schedule 3 drug along with drugs such as steroids.
There will be a 60-day comment period before the reclassification takes effect. The federal rule change does not legalize marijuana for recreational use.
Dr. Raul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, believes the change could help many facing medical issues.
“Having marijuana as a Class 3 allows people who have chronic pain, who have chronic illness – including cancer – to get the help they need,” Gupta said. “I helped put the medical cannabis program in West Virginia, so I know the importance of these efforts.”
Dr. Gupta also says that this will allow for more research to find cures for other diseases.
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