Louisiana residents react to DEA plans to reclassify marijuana

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/LMSS) — The Department of Justice plans to classify marijuana as a lower-risk drug.; locals share their opinion.

Currently, it is classified as a Schedule One drug, placing weed in the same category as heroin. It poses different penalties for the distribution and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The Biden-Harris administration now plans to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III. This category is less restrictive and includes less addictive substances like Tylenol.

The U.S. Department of Justice defines Schedule III “as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence” and can be prescribed by a medical professional.

Dr. Jaya McSharma, owner of The Oui Doctor, says she spent over two years practicing as a medical marijuana physician and says the drug has been life-changing for some people.

“It helps them with pain, anxiety, seizures, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, PTSD, and depression,” says Dr. McSharma, “I’ve treated kids with epilepsy seizures, and even autism, and it’s so safe, and people are able to either reduce or completely eliminate the amount of pharmaceuticals they’re on, which is amazing.”

A survey found that six in ten Louisiana voters support marijuana legalization.

“I think that the Biden administration’s rescheduling of marijuana is very important for multiple reasons. First of all, it’s completely and scientifically inaccurate to have marijuana in the same category as LSD or heroin,

“It is laughable by anybody who knows about the drug, who knows that it’s plant-based medicine, and who knows that it actually is not a drug of abuse, but it’s not; it’s safer than water, it’s safer than peanuts,” shares Dr. McSharma.

In the Louisiana legislature, those caught in possession of fourteen grams or less shall be fined no more than $100 for a first or subsequent conviction.

Bossier City Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Wells says they will police whatever federal law states.

“Right now, we do make arrests, but usually, if it’s under 14 grams, it’s by citation; they still have to make a court appearance, and there are still consequences,” states Deputy Wells.

Wells says he is happy to see the legislation move forward but discourages anything affecting individuals’ cognitive behavior.

“But it’s good to see that not only the state legislation but the federal government is kind of trying to move into the 21st century,” says Deputy Wells.

Congress is considering bipartisan bills such as the Hope Act to help those who are incarcerated on state-level cannabis-related charges.