The following primer seeks to provide clarity to frequently asked questions surrounding cannabis rescheduling and its policy implications.
Tag: Controlled Substances Act
“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.”
Absent cannabis descheduling, those who produce, dispense, possess, or use marijuana in compliance with state laws could still face federal prosecution for violating federal drug laws.
“These audio recordings reinforce the fact that the federal government’s decision to strictly criminalize marijuana was primarily a political one,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said.
As a first step forward, this policy change dramatically shifts the political debate surrounding cannabis.
“NORML is in a unique position to mobilize interested parties to provide their perspectives throughout the public comment period and we will be encouraging advocates and experts to do so in the coming weeks.”
Perhaps most tellingly, our political opponents are also touting its significance, pledging to take whatever steps necessary to derail this proposed policy change.
Cannabis must be descheduled by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act altogether.