The following primer seeks to provide clarity to frequently asked questions surrounding cannabis rescheduling and its policy implications.
“Sensational claims that adult-use legalization laws are linked with greater marijuana use by teens are simply not backed by government data. These findings ought to reassure lawmakers that cannabis access can be legally regulated in a manner that is safe, effective, and that does not inadvertently impact young people’s habits.”
Among the more significant changes, the new law criminalizes possessing marijuana products obtained from out-of-state, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. No other legalization state imposes such restrictions.
“These facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications.”
“While such a move potentially provides some benefits to patients, and veterans especially, it still falls well short of the changes necessary to bring federal marijuana policy into the 21st century.”
Now is not the time for the cannabis community to rest on the laurels of its past successes or to presume that someone else is going to finish the job.
“This bill is a slap in the face to the millions of Ohioans who voted in favor of Issue 2.”
“These findings add to the already robust evidence documenting the opioid-sparing effects of medical cannabis.”