ATLANTA — Restrictions on marijuana could soon be eased more than ever before in the United States, which would mark a historic shift in how the drug is classified.
The Biden Administration could soon reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, which would be a monumental change for a drug that's been classified as being one of the most dangerous in the nation for more than 50 years. It would, however, still remain a controlled substance.
What could that mean for Georgia? We talked to an expert and found out.
What loosening marijuana restrictions could mean in Georgia
In Georgia, you are able to get cannabis oil for medical purposes by having an identification card through dispensaries. But Dr. Cecil F. Bennett with Newnan Family Medicine said he hopes that you will soon be able to get cannabis oil at your local pharmacy.
Right now, marijuana is in the same drug classification as cocaine and LSD, but it could soon be listed with drugs such as Tylenol with codeine, which is available at pharmacies right now. Bennett said it could be a big game-changer for patients there.
As for the laws surrounding recreational use, Emory law professor John Acevedo said that Georgians will probably not see a big shift in how the state handles those cases unless the state decriminalizes the drug.
"Marijuana arrests are at the state level, that is their local arrests, and they will be punished under Georgia law," Acevedo said. "And in that sense, this really won't have a huge impact immediately. But, it does signal a shift in the federal government and in their budgeting, as well as how they intend to punish it."
Acevedo went on to explain that he believes there will likely be more resources pointed at fighting the opioid crisis at both the federal and state levels.