The DEA is considering changing marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance. If this change happens, it would be easier for patients to access marijuana for medicinal purposes and for scientists to study its effects. Though this may sound optimistic, I have reservations about it.

https://youtu.be/CIQvWx8VOmA?si=xvCNt0w2iCCMt8Ao

A lot of studies show that marijuana can be beneficial when managing chronic pain, nausea and certain neurological conditions. Consequently, people with these conditions might find some form of relief through marijuana usage. Since am one who believes in finding safe and efficient remedies for medical conditions, it’s clear why this move could be seen as beneficial.

However, there are things which I also have doubts about. One of the main barriers is abuse possibility. Despite its medical values, marijuana can become addictive. The CDC estimates that 30% of people who use marijuana develop a marijuana use disorder. This means more people may struggle with addiction if they can easily access the drug.


Public health is yet another factor to be looked into. Smoking marijuana can result in negative outcomes on the lungs, just as smoking tobacco does. Consequently, getting more access to cannabis might lead to an increase in the number of patients with lung problems. Besides this, smoking marijuana can interfere with thinking, attention and memory among people which could have serious implications if individuals use it before driving or operating machinery.

***Mental health is another issue that must be considered. Chronic heavy marijuana use has been associated with increased rates of suicidal ideation and social anxiety disorder. As someone who is passionate about mental health, this becomes very worrying. In order for us to decide whether or not marijuana should be decriminalized we need to balance its potential benefits against these risks and think how such risks could be reduced.

On top of that, there’s the problem of impaired driving. Marijuana affects judgment and coordination making it unsafe for people behind the wheel. There are no well-established legal limits for marijuana impairment unlike alcohol which may make enforcement laws against driving under the influence of marijuana difficult. If weed is going to become more widely available then this is a serious public safety problem that needs our attention now.”

While the reclassification of marijuana could have advantages on medical treatment, it also brings significant worries about dependence, public and mental health and road safety.

As we contemplate this move, it is important to think hard about how we can bring down these hazards so that marijuana is used securely and responsibly.

Posted Using [InLeo Alpha](https://inleo.io/@marshiee1/the-proposed-marijuana-reclassification)