The federal government recently shifted the United States drug policy with its decision to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule 3 substance on April 23.
For years, marijuana was classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning it was considered to have no medical benefit and a high abuse potential. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order changing it to a Schedule 3 substance.
Marijuana becoming a Schedule 3 drug does not legalize its usage, but does declare it has a moderate-to-low risk of addiction, and can be studied by scientists more easily. This recent reclassification reflects the public’s changing attitude towards marijuana, as well as the continued research on the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis usage.
This new reclassification will now bring federal policy much closer to that of states such as California, which have been enacting legal frameworks for marijuana use for years. California was the first state to legalize cannabis in 1996. According to Pew Research, 74% of Americans now live in a state where marijuana is legal, and 57% of Americans believe recreational use should be legalized.
Los Angeles County alone has more dispensaries than any state besides California. The closest to USC is Cannabis House, which is less than 1 mile from campus.
Rabin Woods, owner of Cannabis House, said the dispensary aims to serve as a social spot for area residents. In recent years, Cannabis House has served as a venue for wrestling events, car auctions, comedy shows and more.
“You know, music all the time, and food for the students, whether they smoke or not, that’s not even the important thing. The important thing is that they have a safe space to come hang out,” said Woods.
That sense of comfort and normalcy with marijuana is especially prevalent with younger generations. Between the years of 2021 and 2024, 36.5% of people aged 18-25 years old had used marijuana, more than any other age group. However, some say, those in states where cannabis is still criminalized may need some time to warm up to it.
“People come from out of state… they’re scared to try it or something because of this stigma,” said Maddie Kelley, a senior neuroscience major and president of USC’s Cannabis Club. “When people come to USC and see the open-mindedness of other people here, and then start to learn about it, they start to accept it more.”
Kelley also emphasized the fact that marijuana is being viewed through a much broader lens now, which includes both recreational and medical use.
“Not only is it a drug, but it’s also a medicine to a lot of people,” Kelley said.
USC students took part in 4/20, a holiday celebrating cannabis use and legalization, just days before the drug was rescheduled.
“I learned that there is a Taco Bell on Figueroa that is in fact open 24 hours,” said a Dornsife junior, who was granted anonymity due to concerns about publicizing their drug use.
Others spent the day with new goodies.
“I broke in the new bong that I won at the cannabis club,” said a third-year political science major, who was granted anonymity due to concerns about publicizing their drug use, and the winner of the “B420” casino night grand prize.
Woods suggested that celebrations like these show why cannabis doesn’t need to be a drug with criminal consequences.
“With anybody that’s doing cannabis, most of the time, it’s a peaceful thing,” Woods said. “It’s almost like a peace pipe.”
As research continues, scientists are able to find more ways for consumers to responsibly use cannabis, turning public perception of marijuana into a more and more positive one.
“Cannabis,” Kelley said, “is one of the few communities that can bring all types of people together.”
Contributing reporting by Tare Ebimami.