This Seems Like Kind Of A Big Deal

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/obama-marijuana-not-more-dangerous-than-alcohol

I guess if he really felt that way, he could ask the FDA to re-schedule marijuana as a Schedule III drug, instead of a Schedule I drug.

Schedule III drugs are less likely to be abused, has a medical use and does not cause physiological dependence.

Currently, marijuana, as a Schedule I drug, is considered to have a high potential for abuse, has no medical use and is considered addictive.

Now, I'm neither a pothead nor a staunch advocate for legalization.  But it seems to me that marijuana is a clear cut Schedule III drug, and it sounds like Obama agrees. (For the record, other Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids, lysergic acid, ketamine and many barbiturates.)

Moving marijuana to Schedule III would bring federal law into conjunction with many, many states that have legalized medical marijuana.  It would also begin to address the problems in sentencing that afflict poor and minority pot smokers who wind up in jail because "reefer madness".

Not to mention, I think it's a smart political move, because it will drive the GOP absolutely insane and they will pitch a fit.  In pitching said fit, it will continue to drive younger voters to the Democratic party and completely deny Rand Paul of one of his two wedge issues (the other being the NSA) that might draw off some younger voters.  In fact, re-scheduling marijuana will likely cause Paul to have to call for its rescheduling as Schedule III.

Thanks, Obama!