DEA CANNABIS RESCHEDULING

PUBLIC COMMENT VIEWER

Here is a random public comment on the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III from Steve Dziuk.
To Whom it May Concern: I am writing in support of rescheduling botanical marijuana to Schedule III or lower (Docket No. DEA–1362). Cannabis has currently accepted medical use and has a far lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, including fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine. It also has a lower abuse potential and a lower level of physical or psychological dependence than alcohol, which is not scheduled. 41 states have medical cannabis or lower-THC medical cannabis laws, pursuant to which tens of thousands of prescribers have certified millions of patients for medical cannabis. Although federal policies and the massive amount of funding necessary for large-scale clinical trials have created obstacles to clinical trials, numerous studies provide credible evidence for the medical value of cannabis. In 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report after a review of thousands of abstracts on medical cannabis research. It found, “[T]he use of cannabis for the treatment of pain is supported by well-controlled clinical trials...” and “There is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.” Botanical cannabis does not cause respiratory depression, which causes thousands of fatal overdoses each year from other drugs, including opioids, alcohol, and some over-the-counter medications. More than 14,000 Americans fatally overdosed on prescription opiates each year from 2017-2022 according to NIDA. The CDC reports that each year 178,000 Americans die from excessive alcohol use, including over 2,600 deaths from alcohol poisoning. In contrast, suspected fatal overdoses on cannabis are vanishingly rare. While some people develop a dependence on cannabis, it is relatively mild compared to Schedule II drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal from alcohol and opiates can be fatal. The National Academies report noted cannabis withdrawal can include, “restlessness, irritability, mild agitation, insomnia, sleep disturbance, nausea, and cramping — uncomfortable sensations, to be sure, but far milder than symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.” Humanity has been aware of cannabis’ medical benefits for thousands of years. Since 1970, U.S. federal law has ignored this reality, ignoring the lived experience of people with cancer and AIDS who found relief from wasting and nausea, those suffering from chronic pain, and many others. The American Nurses Association has supported allowing medical cannabis since 1996. Numerous health organizations have joined the ANA, including the American Academy of HIV Medicine, the American Public Health Association, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the U.S. Pain Foundation, and the Epilepsy Foundation. A 2022 survey authored by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers found that 69% of practicing physicians believe cannabis has medical value. Cannabis has currently accepted medical use and far less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs. It should be rescheduled to III or lower. It would be even more appropriate to deschedule cannabis, since it also has far lower potential for abuse than alcohol. Thank you for considering this important step forward towards a more sensible approach on federal cannabis policy. Sincerely, Mr. Steve Dziuk 6043 Kalland Dr NE Albertville, MN 55301-9627 ssdziuk@outlook.com
Over 42,000 public comments were submitted. Public commenters, thank you for your courage!