Cannabis Advocates Say DEA’s Move Represents ‘Progress But Not Justice,’ Ends War On Medical Marijuana Patients, But Not War On Drugs
This week the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly called for cannabis to be reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III of the US Controlled Substances Act. This was the first time in history the DEA announced such a move, and it came about eight months after the Department of Health and Human Services requested marijuana reclassification.
Cannabis, in the same class of substances as heroin, LSD, meth and ecstasy, which means it has no accepted medical value and a high abuse potential. Placing it in the Schedule III category would put it next to ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone, and the federal government would no longer consider it a risky substance.
Although cannabis would remain a controlled substance, rescheduling would reduce the obstacles faced by businesses and consumers. “The most important benefit for weed businesses would be tax relief regarding the issue of the IRS code 280E, which prohibits the marijuana industry from taking federal deductions,” Michael Rosenblum, partner at Thompson Coburn LLP previously told Benzinga.
The question is – what does cannabis rescheduling mean for cannabis justice reform?
Progress But Not Justice
Last Prisoner Project (LPP), a nonprofit dedicated to gaining the release of people …