UN Removes Marijuana From List Of Dangerous Drugs; Cannabis No Longer A Risky Narcotic?

Last year, the US state of Hawaii decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, joining two dozen other US states that have adopted similar measures.

(Image: AFP)

Following World Health Organization's recommendation, the US House passed legislation legalising marijuana at the federal level. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the MORE Act by 228-164 vote. 

 The United States and the vast majority of European nations voted in favor. China, Pakistan and Russia were among the countries that were opposed to the reclassification.

The bill would remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances which listed it beside heroin and cocaine as a dangerous narcotic and mandated tough penalties. The measure is expected to eventually have a far-reaching impact on marijuana research and medical use throughout the world. The bill's likely passage comes as more states have legalized marijuana and public opinions on the topic have shifted. Last year, the US state of Hawaii decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, joining two dozen other US states that have adopted similar measures. Under the new law, anyone with up to three grams of marijuana faces a USD 130 penalty but the possibility of 30 days in jail for even a tiny amount of the drug, and a fine of up to USD 1,000, has been removed.

After Hawaii, New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and Arizona voted to legalize recreational marijuana in last month’s elections. Currently, 15 states have passed marijuana legalization measures with legal marijuana use for adults. Medical marijuana is legal in 36 states.