39: The Future of Federal Cannabis Reform

Over half of all Americans live in a state where cannabis is legalized. And yet, the federal government has not reclassified marijuana since 1970. According to the Controlled Substances Act, it is considered a “Schedule 1” substance — the same classification as heroin and crack cocaine with no accepted medical use. Last August, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which the Drug Enforcement Administration is currently considering. If enacted, the change will have a significant effect on how states enforce drug laws.  Discussants: Victoria Jupp, Policy Assistant, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Lisa L. Pittman, Partner, Zuber Lawler; Chair-elect, American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law and Policy Committee; and Gary Hale, Nonresident Fellow in Drug Policy and Mexico Studies, Baker Institute for Public Policy. This conversation was recorded on January 25, 2024.