Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025

Summary

The Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025 aims to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This would be achieved through an order by the Attorney General within 60 days of the Act's enactment. The bill directly amends the Controlled Substances Act, bypassing standard scheduling procedures.

Expected Effects

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III could ease restrictions on research and medical use. It may also have implications for federal law enforcement and state-federal conflicts regarding marijuana regulation. The change does not legalize marijuana at the federal level, but acknowledges a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I drugs.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased research opportunities into the medical applications of marijuana.
  • Potential for new medications and treatments derived from marijuana.
  • Reduced stigma associated with marijuana use, potentially improving access for patients.
  • Possible reduction in the burden on the justice system related to marijuana offenses.
  • Could lead to new business opportunities in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May create confusion regarding the legality of marijuana at the federal level, as it remains a controlled substance.
  • Potential for increased diversion and misuse of marijuana if not properly regulated.
  • Could face resistance from law enforcement agencies and those opposed to marijuana legalization.
  • May not fully address the social equity issues related to past marijuana convictions.
  • The Act does not address recreational use, leaving a significant portion of the market unregulated at the federal level.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to regulate commerce and enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out those powers. The rescheduling of substances under the Controlled Substances Act falls under this purview. However, potential challenges could arise if the implementation infringes upon states' rights, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).