What would marijuana reclassification mean in Wisconsin?

The Biden administration is expected to reclassify the federal government’s position on marijuana, shifting it from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, The Associated Press first reported.

The change would mean the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration would treat marijuana as a drug that can be lawfully prescribed as medication, rather than one believed to be highly dangerous, addictive and without medical use.

The move wouldn’t fully legalize the drug, but would follow recommendations by the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice to place marijuana alongside drugs like testosterone, ketamine, Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids — substances deemed to have “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Schedule III drugs can be legally prescribed by licensed health care providers and dispensed by licensed pharmacies.

Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since the Controlled Substances Act was signed in 1970.

Probably not much, at least at first. Marijuana is illegal in Wisconsin, and the DEA reclassification would not fully address the inconsistencies between federal restrictions and state laws.

But it could open the door to additional research, which would further inform policymakers as they consider changes going forward.