Why We Shouldn’t Settle for a Mere Rescheduling of Cannabis

The recent discussions surrounding the rescheduling of cannabis from federal Schedule I to Schedule III represent a small step forward in acknowledging the overwhelming evidence that cannabis doesn't pose a significant risk of physical dependency. While this move could potentially pave the way for more inclusive healthcare options involving cannabis, it is crucial to recognize that there is room for improvement.

A truly logical, ethical, and evidence-based federal cannabis policy should go beyond mere rescheduling and instead focus on descheduling the plant and its whole plant derivatives. This approach aligns with the well-established and unparalleled safety profile of Cannabis Sativa L., which should have been treated like other safe and effective herbs that humans have used as medicine for centuries.

Rescheduling Versus Descheduling

Comparing the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III with complete descheduling reveals a stark contrast in the potential impact on patients and the cannabis industry as a whole. While rescheduling may offer some benefits by potentially easing restrictions and allowing for medical use, it still maintains the framework of control and regulation that could lead to monopolies by pharmaceutical companies. In contrast, complete descheduling would liberate cannabis from the constraints of the DEA classification of scheduled substances.

Under descheduling, cannabis would be treated like any other medicinal herb, devoid of the regulatory burdens that come with scheduled substances. This approach ensures that the cannabis industry remains open to a diverse range of producers and providers, preventing the consolidation of power among a few pharmaceutical giants. Patients would have broader access to various forms of cannabis-based therapies, fostering competition and innovation, which ultimately benefits those in need of cannabis for medical purposes.

In essence, descheduling not only removes the stigma associated with cannabis but also eliminates the potential for corporate monopolies that could limit patient choices and inflate prices. It allows the plant to flourish as a natural remedy, accessible to all who can benefit from its therapeutic properties without unnecessary restrictions or barriers. In the quest for a fair and compassionate cannabis policy, descheduling emerges as the more comprehensive and patient-centered solution.

Descheduling cannabis is not just the right approach; it is the only approach that makes sense from scientific, medical, public health, and ethical perspectives. Maintaining cannabis as a scheduled drug, even if rescheduled to a lower category, cannot be justified when considering the wealth of evidence supporting its safety and potential medical benefits.

A Call to Action

We cannot afford to be passive observers in this critical moment. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should recognize the potential harms of rescheduling and work towards descheduling cannabis instead. It is essential for advocates of medical and scientific research to resist the allure of rescheduling and push for the more ethical and sensible solution of descheduling.

Conclusion

Rescheduling cannabis, while it may appear to be a step in the right direction, could have dire consequences. It is imperative that we look beyond the surface and understand the potential risks associated with this approach. Descheduling cannabis is not just a matter of policy; it's a matter of ethics, human rights, and the well-being of countless individuals who have been affected by the War on Drugs. Let's not settle for baby steps when we can make a giant leap towards a more just and compassionate approach to cannabis.