Montgomery, AL – This week, Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 11 states in submitting a public comment letter opposing the Biden Administration’s proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The comment letter, which spans 40 pages, was submitted in response to the Department of Justice’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) concerning the proposed change. If enacted, rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would mark a significant step toward federal legalization and potentially provide substantial tax benefits to marijuana retailers.
The coalition argues that the rescheduling is both unlawful and imprudent. “The Biden-Harris administration’s rush to legalize marijuana is outside the bounds of the DOJ’s authority and will lead to disastrous consequences,” Attorney General Marshall stated. He criticized the administration’s approach as a political maneuver rather than a science-based decision.
Alabama law, consistent with federal law, classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance, reflecting its high potential for abuse. The letter asserts that marijuana poses risks to child and adolescent development and is associated with mental health issues such as psychosis and schizophrenia, as well as physical health problems like heart disease and certain cancers.
The coalition also cites concerns about the broader implications of increased marijuana access. They argue that it may lead to higher rates of motor vehicle accidents and complicate enforcement of laws against driving under the influence. Additionally, they claim that expanding access could contribute to rising homelessness, welfare dependency, decreased workplace productivity, increased anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They also refute claims that marijuana use reduces the consumption of opioids or other hard drugs.
The states joining Marshall in the coalition include Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
