Federal Government's Reclassification and Impact on Marijuana Policies

Reclassification by the federal government regarding marijuana policies does not affect past criminal convictions, as federal statutes mainly focus on weight and distribution rather than the drug schedule. Despite the ongoing illegal movements of marijuana between states, many states have legalized cannabis considering the actual living conditions of most Americans. While some advocate for complete de-scheduling of marijuana, current state regulations vary in expunging past convictions, placing the burden on individuals. Efforts by states like New Jersey to allocate funds for record expungement have shown success but remain limited by individuals' resources. Intertwined with criminal justice, the marketplace for cannabis businesses is influenced by legalization regulations and tax limitations, hindering small businesses' profitability. The next steps for the reclassification involve review and approval by the office of management and budget, with an uncertain timeline for implementation. This delay might extend into the next administration but is anticipated by many due to political and administrative considerations.