Mixed opinions grow over move to reclassify marijuana

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  — A recent report stating that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug has drawn a mixed reaction from many across the nation, including in Arkansas.

The Associated Press stated on Tuesday that the DEA will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

Currently, it’s classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. But the DEA’s proposal recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services would reclassify it as a Schedule III, recognizing the medical uses of cannabis and its less potential for abuse.

The reclassification is something that Melissa Fults with the Arkansas Cannabis Alliance agrees with.

“This has healing properties and should not be listed as such a dangerous drug,” Fults said. “It’s a game changer.”

However, Luke Niforatos with Smart Approaches to Marijuana said he believes the drug is still a high danger, especially to kids.

“Unfortunately, this is a very political decision that really puts science out in the trash,” Niforatos said. “All of our latest science tells us that marijuana is more addictive than ever before.”

The DEA’s move still has multiple steps to go including a public comment before its final ruling. Even if it is reclassified, marijuana would still be a controlled substance, subject to federal rules and regulations and it would not be legalized for recreational use on a federal level.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin says, “I look forward to reviewing any final decisions made by the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding the classification of marijuana.”

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