DEA Special Comment Period For Cannabis Rescheduling: US Tribes Weigh In, Seek Recognition For ‘Ancient Medicinal Plant’
Several tribes and organizations have issued public comments during the DEA’s hearing process on rescheduling cannabis. They are pushing for rescheduling as it is in keeping with their long traditions.
In their statements Ho-Chunk Nation, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) and the century-old Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) are advocating for sovereignty, changes in cannabis regulation and recognition of the medicinal value of ancient cannabis plant.
Cultural Significance For Tribes
The tribes emphasize the historical and cultural significance of using native plants, including cannabis, for medicinal purposes. “Hoocak Tribal Members continue to harvest traditional plants based upon longstanding use and knowledge of their medicinal properties. Through language and cultural revitalization, the number of Tribal Members who know of these powerful plant medicines has increased in recent years.” according to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s statement.
For the AAIA, Cannabis is just one more in a long list of ancient medicinal plants.
“Native Peoples have a long history of using native plants for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. Medicinal plants and their applications are as diverse as the Native Peoples who use them. Plant medicines are used more frequently than those derived from animals. In all, Native Peoples have identified over 400 different species of plants (as well as lichens, fungi and algae) with medicinal applications.”
Cannabis: A Mind Affecting Plant
A particular status arises from cannabis being grouped among “plants that affect the human …