U.S. marijuana policy decision delayed until after presidential election

A significant decision regarding the reclassification of marijuana in the U.S. will be postponed until after the upcoming presidential election. This delay raises the likelihood that marijuana policy will become a key issue in the election, potentially influencing voter opinions based on candidates' stances. Vice President Kamala Harris supports decriminalization, while former President Donald Trump has shown increasing support for legalization measures, indicating a shift in political attitudes towards cannabis. The Justice Department's proposal to reclassify marijuana aims to acknowledge its medical uses and lower its classification from Schedule I, which includes more dangerous drugs. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has yet to take a definitive stance on the proposal, which has faced opposition from groups advocating for caution in changing marijuana's legal status. The DEA's decision-making process is expected to be influenced by medical science rather than political pressures. The marijuana industry is eager for reclassification, as it could allow businesses to access federal tax deductions and banking services that are currently unavailable due to marijuana's Schedule I status. This change could significantly reduce tax burdens for cannabis companies, which are currently subject to a 75% tax rate. The industry has been growing rapidly, with many states legalizing medical and recreational marijuana, reflecting changing public attitudes toward cannabis. Despite the potential benefits of reclassification, advocates for medical marijuana express concern that the focus on industry implications may overshadow the needs of patients who could benefit from a national medical cannabis program. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of marijuana policy in the U.S. and the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and health-related factors.