Will the DEA reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug? What change means for Oklahoma

Alexia Aston and Marina Johnson, The Oklahoman

About six years ago, Oklahomans voted to legalize medical marijuana in the state. Now, the U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administration is debating reclassifying weed as a less dangerous substance.

USA Today reported that marijuana could be reclassified under the Controlled Substances Act from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Marijuana has been considered a Schedule I drug since the Controlled Substances Act was signed in 1970, falling into the same category as substances like heroin, MDMA or Ecstasy.

While reclassification to a Schedule III drug wouldn't make cannabis federally legal, it would put the substance at the same level as Tylenol with codeine, ketamine or testosterone. Here's what we know:

DEA to reclassify marijuana as Schedule III drug

USA Today recently reported that the Biden administration plans to remove marijuana from the list of Schedule I drugs, the most dangerous and addictive substances. This would mark the biggest change to federal marijuana policies in over 50 years.

Adam Terry, CEO and Co-Founder of Cantrip, said while reclassification won't make it legal, it will benefit businesses.

"Rescheduling won't legalize cannabis or let a doctor prescribe it, but it will allow existing marijuana companies to be taxed like any other business — essentially a huge investment in the overall sector by the government by way of tax relief," he said. "It doesn't affect Cantrip directly as a hemp company, but improves the overall economic health of the industry and continues to inch towards legitimization in the eyes of the public."

Sarah Gertson, executive director of the Last Prisoner Project, also said such decisions will help to create a more equitable criminal justice system.

"Last Prisoner Project believes that complete descheduling and full legalization of cannabis is a necessary step towards correcting past injustices and creating a fair and equitable criminal legal system," Gertson said. "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that individuals burdened with past cannabis convictions have their records expunged and that all cannabis prisoners are released, regardless of the federal scheduling decision.

Is weed legal in Oklahoma 2024?

Medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma, but recreational use is not.

This means that to purchase weed in the state, Oklahomans must qualify for and purchase a medical marijuana license.

Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma does not have a list of qualifying conditions for people seeking a medical marijuana license. Doctors are allowed to recommend patients if they think medical marijuana is a good treatment option for them.

Some of the most common medical reasons for marijuana use are anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and depression.

How do I get a medical marijuana license?

People seeking a medical marijuana license in the state can apply by using the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority's Licensing Portal.

To apply online, adult applicants in-state must have:

  • A physician recommendation form, which can be found at this link

  • A digital photo for the medical marijuana card

  • Proof of identity, including a driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport or tribal ID

  • Proof of residency, such as a driver's license, the preceding year's Oklahoma tax return, or a utility bill

According to information from OMMA, Oklahomans can get a short-term medical marijuana license with proof of identity, proof of residency, an acceptable photo and a signed physician recommendation form.

Oklahomans under 18 must have a second physician sign the form, and their parent or guardian must also provide proof of identity, proof of residency and an acceptable photo and sign the application.

Caregiver licenses are for family members or assistants who regularly look after a medical marijuana patient, allowing the caregiver to buy, transport, possess and administer medical marijuana or medical marijuana products to licensed patients.

The physician signing the physician authorization must complete the section that certifies a caregiver is needed for patients seeking one. Along with their caregiver, they must also sign the Caregiver Designation Form.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DEA Could reclassify marijuana. What it means for Oklahoma

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