Cannabis could soon be reclassified. What is a Schedule 3 drug?
Marijuana policy could see some big changes soon, as the federal government looks to reclassify pot from a Schedule 1 drug to Schedule 3. But what does that mean?
For decades, marijuana was deemed dangerous, addictive and wasn't seen as having any medicinal value, but as time has moved on, so have the views on pot. The reclassification, first reported by the Associated Press, could potentially have marijuana going from having the same criminal statutes as drugs like heroin and LSD, to being on par with drugs that have medical applications like some acetaminophen-codeine combinations.
The change still doesn't make marijuana completely legal though. Here's a look at what it means for drugs to be classified as Schedule 3.
What is a Schedule 3 drug?
Schedule 3 drugs are controlled substances, but these types of drugs are subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses. The rules also outline the federal criminal prosecution of anyone who traffics in drugs without permission. Schedule 3 drugs include things like ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations.
Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug, which is believed to be highly dangerous, addictive, and not for medical use. The reclassification would move it from this category to a schedule III drug that can be lawfully prescribed as medication.
Marijuana has been classified as a Schedule 1 drug since the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
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What are Schedule 3 drugs?
Schedule III drugs are narcotics classified by the federal government. Here are some examples of Schedule III drugs:
Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine)
Ketamine
Anabolic steroids
Testosterone
Is marijuana legal in Texas?
Marijuana (cannabis sativa) is illegal in Texas.
El Paso law enforcement continues to enforce Texas marijuana laws. Both the city of El Paso and El Paso County have created programs to issue citations for people caught with low-level possession of marijuana. The citations can carry a hefty $500 fine.
If the reclassification happens, it won't change the status. It would still be a controlled substance even with the new classification.
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Is marijuana legal in New Mexico
Recreational marijuana became legal in New Mexico in April 2022. Since then, the cannabis industry has been thriving via Sunland Park and Chaparral dispensaries.
More: High times in Chaparral: Green Therapy Dispensary seeing nice yields from legal cannabis
The Tennessean contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What is Schedule 3 drug? What marijuana change could mean