DEA CANNABIS RESCHEDULING

PUBLIC COMMENT VIEWER

Here is a random public comment on the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III from Robert Kissinger.
available as a legal medicine.” Cannabis possesses a superior safety profile as compared to many other controlled substances and it clearly does not meet the strict requirements of either a Schedule I or a Schedule II controlled substance. Specifically, HHS determined, “The risks to the public health posed by marijuana are low compared to other drugs of abuse,” such as benzodiazepines — a Schedule IV drug, or alcohol, which is unscheduled. HHS concluded, “No safety concerns were identified in our review that would indicate that the medical use of marijuana poses unacceptably high safety risks for the indications where there is some credible scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic use.” In conclusion, cannabis clearly does not meet the necessary criteria of either a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance. While I believe cannabis should be removed from the CSA altogether – thereby harmonizing federal cannabis policy with those of most US states – I nonetheless do not oppose the factual basis underlying HHS’ recommendation to move botanical cannabis to Schedule III or lower. It would be arbitrary and capricious for the DEA to reject HHS’s findings of fact and to maintain existing prohibitions of the cannabis plant.
Over 42,000 public comments were submitted. Public commenters, thank you for your courage!