The push for marijuana reclassification has gained notable support in Colorado, with key figures such as Governor Jared Polis and Denver District Attorney Beth McCann voicing their approval. As the DEA contemplates moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, the implications for state-legal marijuana remain uncertain, but local leaders are optimistic about the potential benefits.
In the past year, the federal Department of Health and Human Services recommended reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I substance, akin to heroin, to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. Following this, the DEA proposed a similar reclassification in May, initiating a 62-day public commenting period that concluded on July 22. The DEA received nearly 43,000 comments, predominantly supporting reclassification or complete DEA scheduling of marijuana.
On July 16, the City of Denver submitted a letter endorsing marijuana's reclassification to Schedule III, advocating for federal cooperation in cannabis regulation and streamlined tax and finance structures for legal marijuana businesses. Governor Jared Polis followed suit, sending a letter to the DEA on behalf of Colorado, reiterating his long-standing support for marijuana legalization and emphasizing the state's success in regulating the substance.
The Westword news site reported that Governor Polis highlighted Colorado's progress since legalizing recreational marijuana in 2012. He pointed to a decrease in marijuana-related arrests and a reduction in epileptic seizures, citing data that shows Colorado teens consume marijuana at a lower rate than the national average. Polis argued that regulation has proven more effective than prohibition, contributing to decreased youth use and enabling crucial research on the effects of driving under the influence of cannabis.
Denver DA Beth McCann also expressed strong support for the reclassification, focusing on the benefits for law enforcement. McCann noted that while Denver did not see a significant increase in crime related to legal marijuana dispensaries, the unregulated market poses substantial risks. She argued that rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would help law enforcement tackle the dangers of the illicit market and create a more competitive legal market, potentially leading to increased investments in public safety.
The reaction from the cannabis community has been mixed. While some activists call for further reform and complete DEA scheduling of marijuana, others see the potential reclassification as a positive step forward. Local social equity activists, business owners, and state agencies, including the Marijuana Enforcement Division, participated in crafting the supportive letters, indicating a broad base of local support for the move.
As the DEA deliberates on the reclassification, the support from Colorado's leaders underscores a growing recognition of the benefits of regulated marijuana markets. The outcome remains to be seen, but the push for reclassification marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of marijuana policy in the United States.
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