DEA CANNABIS RESCHEDULING

PUBLIC COMMENT VIEWER

Here is a random public comment on the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III from Mary Lopez.
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. As a member of the state-legal cannabis industry, I believe this change is a critical and long-overdue acknowledgment of the medical value of cannabis. This aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recent recommendation to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III. However, rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is not enough. Marijuana must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and cannabinoid products should be properly regulated under a new federal regulatory pathway. Cannabis has had a broadly accepted medical value within the scientific community and to millions of Americans who use it under their physician's care and obtain it legally through state programs that exist in the vast majority of U.S. states. Additionally, the abuse potential of cannabis does not warrant its classification as a Schedule I substance, as it is far safer than legal products like alcohol and tobacco, by every possible measure. Reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III not only aligns federal law with current scientific understanding but also facilitates further research by removing some of the barriers associated with Schedule I classification. This step is essential in advancing medical science and expanding access to much-needed therapeutic options. While the reclassification to Schedule III is a significant and positive step, it is important to recognize that it is only the beginning. The ultimate goal should be to treat intoxicating cannabis products in a manner similar to alcohol, with regulated legal sales for adults. Most Americans already live in a state that has made cannabis legal for adults and the only way to harmonize federal law with those states is to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. Doing so would not only provide consistency across states, it would eliminate the illicit market and allow for the imposition of reasonable federal regulations to protect public health and safety. In conclusion, reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III is a positive first step that acknowledges its medical value, supports state-regulated programs, and promotes public health and safety. While it is not the final goal, it sets the stage for future reforms that will ultimately lead to a legal and regulated cannabis market. I urge the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration to move forward with this reclassification and to work with other federal agencies to establish clear enforcement guidelines that respect state laws and support the cannabis industry. Thank you for considering my comments on this important issue.
Over 42,000 public comments were submitted. Public commenters, thank you for your courage!