Alabama AG Opposes Federal Marijuana Reclassification, Cites Concerns Over Welfare and Public Safety

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is strongly opposed to the federal government's proposal to reclassify marijuana, insisting that it should remain classified as one of the most dangerous drugs due to its association with various social issues, including increased homelessness and welfare dependence.

In a recent press release, Marshall stated, "Expanding access to marijuana leads to numerous secondary problems, including a rise in both the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents and complications in enforcing laws against driving while intoxicated."

Marshall, along with Republican attorneys general from ten other states, voiced their opposition to the federal proposal to downgrade marijuana from its current classification. Presently, marijuana is categorized alongside heroin and LSD, drugs considered to have "no currently accepted medical use."

"The Biden-Harris administration's haste to legalize marijuana exceeds the DOJ's authority and will result in severe consequences," Marshall asserted. "This is another instance of this Administration ignoring scientific evidence for political gain as elections approach."

It's important to note that the federal proposal would not legalize marijuana but would reclassify it to the same category as ketamine, which remains illegal for recreational use.

While more than half of U.S. states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, Alabama has not. Although Alabama approved medical marijuana three years ago, the program has yet to be implemented.

Experts believe the reclassification would have minimal impact on Alabama law but could offer tax breaks to dispensaries and other marijuana businesses. However, it would not legalize or decriminalize marijuana for individual use.

In a detailed 40-page letter, Marshall and the other AGs—from Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and South Dakota—expressed their belief that the reclassification would jeopardize public health.

The coalition stated, "Increasing lawful access to marijuana by rescheduling it to Schedule III will harm public health and worsen existing societal issues." They highlighted concerns over marijuana's links to rising homelessness, welfare dependence, reduced workplace productivity, and increased anxiety and suicidal ideation.

The American Addiction Centers note that while homeless individuals may use marijuana and other substances, substance abuse is often a consequence of the stress of homelessness rather than the cause.

Under current Alabama law, marijuana possession can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on whether the amount is deemed for personal use, with no specific amount defined. Selling any amount of marijuana can result in up to 20 years in prison, with sales to minors carrying potential sentences of up to 99 years.

Some Alabama cities, such as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, have reduced low-level marijuana arrests to ticketable offenses. Mobile is also considering a similar approach.

The federal reclassification of marijuana still requires review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, a public comment period, and approval from an administrative judge before it can be implemented.