Efforts to expand access to cannabis for Americans and the persistent debate over its scheduling stem from an almost century of failed, unjust, and misguided prohibition. Cannabis holds a significant place in our cultural fabric and is a natural part of US agriculture, and there is a growing demand for safe, regulated products. The federal government’s stagnation on this issue contradicts the will of the people and the rapid advancements seen in the 24 states, three US territories, and Washington D.C., where legalization has been overwhelmingly supported by voters. As of now, only six states have yet to enact some form of decriminalization, medicinal use, or recreational laws for cannabis. The vast majority of Americans now reside in states where recreational cannabis is legal, which ensures access to lab-tested, transparently sourced, and traceable cannabis products for individuals aged 21 and over.
Why not deschedule?
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 laid the groundwork for the current debate on marijuana scheduling, solidified in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Under this Act, marijuana was classified as a Schedule I substance by the DEA, indicating it was deemed to have “no acceptable medical use” and was categorized among drugs with the “highest potential for misuse.” There is a wealth of research and long term historic public outcry which contradict this classification, and specific to our experience: our team has observed firsthand the results from diverse applications of cannabis, from its use as flower to medicinal products like full spectrum oils and tablets. We have personally witnessed and gathered extensive testimonials from consumers attesting to its beneficial effects in daily wellness routines and as a therapeutic agent for various illnesses. We tragically lost a team member to cancer in May 2023 after a courageous 7-year battle. Throughout her journey, she relied on consistent and coordinated cannabis therapies, firmly attesting they extended her lifespan and enhanced her quality of life.
Why not deschedule?
The current discourse on cannabis is built upon a falsehood originating from the Nixon administration, where regulators hastily disregarded the recommendations of the Shafer Commission in 1972. Despite the commission’s call to decriminalize marijuana possession, Nixon’s White House chose to ignore these findings. The same White House that saw Nixon impeached just 1 year later. This decision set a flawed framework based on ignorance of factual evidence. As a result, the federal government’s dismissal has continued to devastate lives, harm communities, cause loss of life, and unjustly impact millions of Americans who have been and still are wrongly convicted.
Why not deschedule?
Cannabis therapies can be highly intensive, and patients deserve the chance to receive comprehensive oversight and guidance from their primary doctors. However, current laws create a liability for medical professionals in providing this care and the market measures have led legal markets to under-prioritize medicinal focused therapies with cannabis. There are significant opportunities for advancing research and conducting clinical trials in this field, and for these important reasons, any move to loosen DEA restrictions and therefore open up the cannabis progress in our healthcare system, is crucial.
Why not deschedule?
If cannabis is to be rescheduled to Schedule III, it should not hinder the significant progress made in the 24 states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use, nor should it impede future legalization efforts in other states. There is widespread concern that placing cannabis in Schedule III could benefit Big Pharma while posing a threat to small businesses within the cannabis industry. Currently, nearly half a million people are employed in the recreational cannabis sector, and tens of thousands of businesses are operating. Unlike many industries, cannabis provides an opportunity for diverse ownership and contributes broadly to economic vitality for ranging communities.
Why not deschedule?
If rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III is the immediate step available, let it be temporary in the broader effort toward complete descheduling. Moreover, we must address the public’s strong desire to pardon all individuals convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses. The federal government and current White House have provided progress here, but we encourage swift and sweeping action, such as that recently taken in Maryland where Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order that issues pardons for more than 175,000 Marylanders with marijuana-related convictions. Now is the time action — public sentiment, scientific research, and the opportunity for progress all point toward the need for decisive and comprehensive reform.
Why not deschedule?
Politicians continue to voice fine sentiments on this matter, but the public then witness bureaucratic hurdles that delay or obstruct actual progress at the federal level. As we approach a near century of prohibition, we implore swift action on this matter.