In a major move, President Joe Biden’s administration plans to reclassify weed as a less harmful substance, which could lay the groundwork for more medical research and help cannabis businesses in New Jersey and beyond.
Citing sources, the Associated Press reported that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s plan would recognize the medical use of cannabis and say it’s less likely to be abused than more dangerous drugs.
However, some New Jersey cannabis leaders said the plan to reclassify does not go far enough. Partner Ryan notes that those focused on criminal justice hoped for a more significant change. “For many this may come as a mild disappointment,” he said. “While rescheduling is a step in the right direction many advocates and lawmakers saw this as an opportunity for DEA to deschedule cannabis altogether.”