Marijuana reclassification: implications for CDL drivers and public safety

It seeks to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, how does this affect shippers?

The Biden Administration seeks to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. According to reports, the Attorney General has presented this proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget, backed by the opinion of the Department of Health and Human Services. This decision reflects Biden’s stance on decriminalizing the use and possession of marijuana and pardoning related federal and state convictions.

This reclassification does not imply the legalization of marijuana, but rather is a step in that possible direction. Former DEA administrator Asa Hutchinson commented to Fox News that this decision is not surprising but rather reflects the reality of cannabis consumption in the current U.S. landscape. The OMB will release the cannabis rescheduling proposal for public comment, as well as regulations regarding road transport.

Recommendations for CDL drivers regarding reclassification

Drivers are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback on the potential reclassification to avoid misunderstandings that have occurred in the past. The lack of clarity in protocols has often led CDL drivers to confuse products containing THC (the active and illegal ingredient in marijuana) with CBD (a legal and non-psychoactive supplement), resulting in the end of careers and unhappy endings.

At present, the issue remains under review, continuing to pose challenges for CDL drivers and their careers. Although this step represents a significant symbolic move, if marijuana is reclassified as Schedule III, the process to obtain a valid prescription will not be quick. Additionally, truckers may need more than a prescription to ensure that consumption will not affect their driving ability.

According to a report from Commercial Carrier Journal, a 2022 study suggests that once drivers become accustomed to marijuana use, it does not affect their driving ability. The research indicates that individuals under the influence of marijuana tend to compensate for any impairment by reducing speed and driving more cautiously. However, experienced consumers show little functional impairment when driving under the influence of THC alone.

In recent years, marijuana consumption has become more commonplace in the United States, and more people are adapting to the laws that permit it. Reclassification will not have legal consequences for consumers who are not CDL drivers, but it is still unclear how it will affect those who are, according to state or federal authorities. For now, drivers are advised to stay informed about upcoming changes and comply with the necessary requirements for marijuana consumption without risking their licenses or careers.