![](\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1f6a8-1.png\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA) decision to reschedule marijuana<\/a> is being met with relief, elation, commendations\u2014and criticism from advocates who have been quick to point out that the modest reform does not mean cannabis will be federally legalized or that President Joe Biden\u2019s campaign pledge to at least decriminalize will be fulfilled.<\/p>\n Lawmakers, advocates, stakeholders and opponents have seized upon reports that DEA agreed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).<\/p>\n By and large, the reactions are positive. After all, this marks the first time that DEA has recognized the medical value and relatively low abuse potential of cannabis since prohibition was codified more than 50 years ago. The scheduling review, directed by Biden, resulted in a determination that stands to free up research barriers, let state-licensed marijuana businesses take federal tax deductions and more.<\/p>\n Moving cannabis to another schedule will not legalize it<\/a>, however. Participants in state cannabis markets would continue to run afoul of federal law, and existing criminal penalties for certain marijuana-related activity would remain in force. And that\u2019s a point that justice- and equity-centered advocates have continued to emphasize.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how people are reacting to DEA\u2019s reported rescheduling decision:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIf today\u2019s reporting proves true, we will be one step closer to ending the failed war on drugs,\u201d Blumenauer, founding co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said. \u201cMarijuana was scheduled more than 50 years ago based on stigma, not science. The American people have made clear in state after state that cannabis legalization is inevitable. The Biden-Harris Administration is listening.\u201d<\/p>\n Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a step in the right direction. But to be clear: cannabis must be fully descheduled in order to end the War on Drugs and repair harm to communities of color.<\/p>\n This move is progress for businesses, but we can\u2019t let it undermine comprehensive reform. https:\/\/t.co\/nZTiqUbIx8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)<\/strong><\/p>\n Thanks to pressure campaigns like the States Reform Act, the DEA has moved cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. <\/p>\n Major news for businesses, tax deductions, & research barriers\u2026https:\/\/t.co\/RA1gGCqzGs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n In an interview with The Dales Report hours after the news broke, Mace said \u201cit\u2019s giving an element of hope to people who\u2019ve been in this space for a really long time [and] who\u2019ve invested all of their talent and treasure because they believe in the plant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s a real grain of hope because, up until this point, it\u2019s been BS,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is a step in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI am thrilled by the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to begin the process of finally rescheduling cannabis, following the lead of Colorado and 37 other states that have already legalized it for medical or adult use, correcting decades of outdated federal policy,\u201d Polis said<\/a>. \u201cThis action is good for Colorado businesses and our economy, it will improve public safety, and will support a more just and equitable system for all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to when Colorado businesses will continue to safely fulfill the consumer demand without facing additional safety challenges and unnecessary financial burden that 280E tax provisions created,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)<\/strong><\/p>\n For the first time under @POTUS<\/a> Biden, the government will no longer treat marijuana the same as heroin.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a big deal. I fought hard for this common sense and historic step.<\/p>\n We need to fully legalize marijuana and begin to repair the harms of an unjust war on drugs. https:\/\/t.co\/bsvFTHZM4G<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)<\/strong><\/p>\n Marijuana is not as dangerous as heroin. There is no reason for them to be in the same class of controlled substances.<\/p>\n We should celebrate the fact we\u2019re finally changing course from the failed, racist legacy of the War on Drugs. https:\/\/t.co\/Jm0ctVoYTU<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a long awaited, essential step in the right direction. But in order to correct for the harms that the War on Drugs brought, we need to go further. We need to deschedule it, expunge the records, and stop criminalizing cannabis. https:\/\/t.co\/3CNLH7JWIw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. David Trone (D-MD)<\/strong><\/p>\n This policy change marks an important step in the right direction toward enacting true criminal justice reform. Marijuana criminalization has disproportionately impacted our most marginalized communities for decades, and reclassification was long overdue.https:\/\/t.co\/IU99nYV15f<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)<\/strong><\/p>\n Removing restrictions on an addictive gateway drug like Marijuana is a dangerous mistake. Numerous studies, including a recent and reputable study published by JAMA, points to the negative impact recreational marijuana has on the body and brain.<\/p>\n If the Biden Administration\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/lcPkO5MaA1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY)<\/strong><\/p>\n How it started vs. how it\u2019s going!! We\u2019ve been calling for marijuana to be declassified as a level one drug since day 1. Now it\u2019s time for @POTUS<\/a> to finally make it happen!https:\/\/t.co\/Jdo7QqlXv0<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/aLi9ZwgGoe<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)<\/strong><\/p>\n This is very welcome news \u2014 and good policy.<\/p>\n Michigan legalized cannabis in 2018, and I’m excited to see this important step taken towards nationwide legalization. https:\/\/t.co\/Fx2gUZP1Dm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)<\/strong><\/p>\n Let’s keep this momentum going. We must decriminalize marijuana once and for all and fix the harm caused by 50 years of failed drug policies. <\/p>\n I’m grateful that @POTUS<\/a> is working to ensure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.<\/p>\n \u2014 Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT)<\/strong><\/p>\n Good news. There’s no reason for marijuana to be treated the same as heroin. This is a step in the right direction toward resolving over 50 years of failed, racially discriminatory marijuana policy. https:\/\/t.co\/PdOBPjOOqT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rep. Becca Balint (@RepBeccaB) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n NORML<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIt is significant for these federal agencies, and the DEA and FDA in particular, to acknowledge publicly for the first time what many patients and advocates have known for decades: that cannabis is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for tens of millions of Americans,\u201d NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe goal of any federal cannabis policy reform ought to be to address the existing, untenable divide between federal marijuana policy and the cannabis laws of the majority of US states,\u201d he said. \u201cRescheduling the cannabis plant to Schedule III fails to adequately address this conflict, as existing state legalization laws\u2014both adult use and medical\u2014will continue to be in conflict with federal regulations, thereby perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.\u201d<\/p>\n Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is a positive step forward for federal cannabis policy, however it is a rather modest step given the strong support among American voters for comprehensive cannabis reform,\u201d Matthew Schweich, executive director of MPP, said. \u201cIt is important to acknowledge that this rescheduling would not affect the criminalization of medical cannabis patients and cannabis consumers under state laws \u2013 so we must continue the work of enacting sensible and fair cannabis legalization and medical cannabis laws through state legislatures and ballot initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cSupporting federal marijuana decriminalization means supporting the removal of marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, not changing its scheduling,\u201d Cat Packer, director of drug markets and legal regulation at DPA, said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all deserve a federal framework for marijuana that upholds the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities\u2013particularly Black communities who have borne the brunt of our country\u2019s racist enforcement of marijuana laws,\u201d she said. \u201cRescheduling marijuana is not a policy solution for federal marijuana criminalization or its harms, and it won\u2019t address the disproportionate impact that it has had on Black and Brown communities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe individuals, families and communities adversely impacted by federal marijuana criminalization deserve more. Workers in the marijuana industry, people who use marijuana, all of us deserve more. Congress and the Biden Administration have a responsibility to take actions now to bring about marijuana reform that meaningfully improves the lives of people who have been harmed by decades of criminalization. Descheduling and legalizing marijuana the right way isn\u2019t just good policy, it\u2019s popular with voters, too.\u201d<\/p>\n National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cMoving marijuana out of its absurd classification as a Schedule I drug is long overdue and we applaud the administration for finally acknowledging the therapeutic value that has been widely accepted by the medical community and millions of medical cannabis patients for decades,\u201d NCIA CEO Aaron Smith said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this is undoubtedly a very positive first step, rescheduling will not end federal marijuana prohibition and doesn\u2019t harmonize federal law with the laws allowing some form of legal cannabis in the vast majority of the states,\u201d he said. \u201cIn order for this move to be meaningful on the ground, we need clear enforcement guidelines issued to the DEA and FDA that would ensure the tens of thousands of state-licensed businesses responsibly serving cannabis to adults are not subject to sanctions or criminal prosecution under federal laws.\u201d<\/p>\n U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe US Cannabis Council strongly supports the move by the DEA to reclassify cannabis at a lower level under the Controlled Substances Act. President Biden and his Administration should be commended for recognizing that cannabis was wrongly classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and pursuing an administrative review to reclassify it,\u201d USCC Executive Director Edward Conklin said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe proposed DEA rule implements the recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services, which were based on an extensive scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration,\u201d he said. \u201cOnce finalized, the reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III will mark the most significant federal cannabis reform in modern history and place the nation on a clear path toward our ultimate goal of federal legalization.\u201d<\/p>\n Last Prisoner Project (LPP)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cLast Prisoner Project believes that complete descheduling and full legalization of cannabis is a necessary step towards correcting past injustices and creating a fair and equitable criminal legal system,\u201d LPP Executive Director and General Counsel Sarah Gersten said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that individuals burdened with past cannabis convictions have their records expunged and that all cannabis prisoners are released, regardless of the federal scheduling decision,\u201d she said. \u201cDespite not achieving full legalization, we must use this historic moment to push the fight for cannabis justice forward and we intend to do so by leveraging this reclassification for broader criminal legal reforms.\u201d<\/p>\n Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe federal prohibition of cannabis is centered first and foremost on its unique danger to society. The DEA has just recognized that those dangers were comparatively and empirically overblown,\u201d Andrew Freedman, executive director of CPEAR, said. \u201cIt is time that the federal government got more nuanced about its approach to cannabis, especially as states legalize and Americans openly admit to using the product.\u201d<\/p>\n National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhile NCR continues to call for federal action to address criminal justice reform and empower existing state programs, rescheduling marks a monumental shift in federal cannabis policy as our fight to end prohibition continues,\u201d NCR Executive Director Saphira Galoob said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe applaud President Biden for his courage and leadership in setting this process in motion, and we thank the due diligence of the DOJ and HHS in carrying out this process and coming to a decision based soundly in science that we hope to see swiftly finalized, opening up the doors for further important medical research and alleviating the insurmountable tax burden imposed under 280E,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is critical for state legal cannabis businesses to be treated with fairness and to have the resources needed to reinvest in their workforce and community \u2013 and to survive the threat the illicit market poses to the regulated market and public safety. But we know our work does not stop here, particularly when it comes to righting the wrongs of the War on Drugs. While we celebrate progress today with this historic news, we remain committed to continuing the conversations with our federal partners to enact additional cannabis reforms that are long overdue\u2013starting with getting SAFE Banking passed this year and ultimately ending the harmful and misguided policy of federal prohibition.\u201d<\/p>\n American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn proposing to move cannabis down from Schedule I to Schedule III\u2013a federal ranking signifying the abuse potential of a drug\u2013the DEA will reverse decades of failed drug policies which have devastated countless lives,\u201d ATACH President Michael Bronstein said.<\/p>\n \u201cCannabis is not the same as heroin, fentanyl or opium, which are Schedule I drugs,\u201d he said. \u201cToday the federal government recognizes the medical use of cannabis, its low potential for abuse, and takes a science-based approach to public health.\u201d<\/p>\n Vicente<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is a remarkable about-face by the DEA, which spent decades denying the true medical value of the cannabis plant,\u201d Brian Vicente, founding partner of Vicente LLP, said. \u201cVicente LLP has been at the forefront of cannabis policy reform for more than a decade and actively engaged in the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform, which strongly advocated for removing cannabis from Schedule I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile a strong case can be made for removing cannabis from the federal drug schedules entirely, rescheduling marks a huge step forward for commonsense cannabis policy in our country,\u201d he said. \u201cThis action will have massive impacts, both practically for the cannabis industry and symbolically for the reform movement. We have entered a new era of dialogue and policy around this historically maligned plant.\u201d<\/p>\n Curaleaf\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s decision by the DEA to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III is one of the most monumental developments that cannabis has seen in years and is a crucial step in undoing the harms caused by the failed and discriminatory War on Drugs,\u201d Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin said. \u201cWe are thankful to President Biden and his Administration for helping to push this process forward. This ruling reflects evolving attitudes towards the plant, recognizing its well-documented therapeutic value and medicinal applications.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very clear that the country is ready for this step, given that 92 percent of Americans are now in support of legalization in some form,\u201d he said. \u201cAs the cannabis industry undergoes regulatory transformations, Curaleaf remains committed to collaborating with regulatory authorities, industry members, and the broader community to ensure the responsible and sustainable growth of the cannabis sector. The future for the cannabis industry is real and we look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store.\u201d<\/p>\n Acreage Holdings<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAcreage strongly applauds the DEA\u2019s decision to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act,\u201d Dennis Curran, CEO of Acreage Holdings, said. \u201cFor far too long, restrictive policies have stifled the scientific examination of the plant\u2019s many healing capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith this massive hurdle removed, more research can be done to learn about the medical efficacy of cannabis and the positive impact that it can have on the health and wellness of millions of people across the country,\u201d he said. \u201cWith this monumental move also comes the elimination of 280E, which has burdened cannabis businesses and kept the industry from reaching its full potential. Finally, cannabis operators will be able to compete and operate on a more level playing field with other businesses in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n TerrAscend<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s news is a critical first step towards aligning US cannabis laws with scientific evidence,\u201d Jason Wild, executive chairman at\u00a0 TerrAscend, said. He added that the company \u201clooks forward to the positive impact that today\u2019s news will have on patients, consumers, and the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Sunburn Cannabis<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is one of the most historic moments in the decades-long fight to end the US government\u2019s failed war on the cannabis plant,\u201d Brady Cobb, CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, said.<\/p>\n \u201cCannabis has never belonged on Schedule 1 with drugs like cocaine and heroin or as President Biden noted on a more restrictive schedule than fentanyl, and the move to Schedule III is the first real step towards meaningful reform,\u201d he said. \u201cA tremendous amount of work has been done by so many people, and while I\u2019ve been critical of the Biden administration on the timing of this move, credit is due for actually making it happen. Onward.\u201d<\/p>\n Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhile today\u2019s reported landmark decision to reclassify cannabis is a step in the right direction to ending the conflict between state and federal law, it further underscores the need for Congress to take critical action and create a clear, comprehensive federal regulatory structure that protects public health and safety and empowers states to regulate cannabis products,\u201d WSWA said.<\/p>\n \u201cSince the enactment of the 21st Amendment, a safe, consumer-centric and economically vibrant marketplace has developed\u2014one that serves the dual needs of regulators and consumers. WSWA continues to strongly believe that the core features of federal alcohol regulation should be the model upon which to build a federal cannabis regulatory system.\u201d<\/p>\n Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)<\/strong><\/p>\n Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. @KevinSabet<\/a> issued the following statement today in response to reporting that the Biden Administration has proposed a decision to reverse decades of policy and reduce federal restrictions on marijuana\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/kDtu4nfO4c<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SAM (@learnaboutsam) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Drug Free America Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n This decision is anti-science & harmful to public health & safety. The FDA rescheduling review that supported this decision was flawed. The Biden Admin didn\u2019t even consider the impact that marijuana use has on pregnant women & their babies in the analysis. #MarijuanaKnowTheTruth<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/fnZH3cCTdt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 DrugFreeAmerica (@DrugFreeAmerica) April 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n DEA, FDA And Other Agencies To Discuss Marijuana\u2019s Potential To Treat Pain At Upcoming Federal Research Meeting<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The post Lawmakers, Advocates And Stakeholders React To DEA\u2019s Historic Marijuana Rescheduling Decision, With Many Calling For Bolder Reform<\/a> appeared first on Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA) decision to reschedule marijuana is being met with relief, elation, commendations\u2014and criticism from advocates who have been quick to point out that the modest reform does not mean cannabis will be federally legalized or that President Joe Biden\u2019s campaign pledge to at least decriminalize willContinue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":458,"featured_media":74779,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,81],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74778"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74778"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74780,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74778\/revisions\/74780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Lawmakers and Elected Officials<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
![\"🚨\"](\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1f6a8.png\")
BREAKING: Marijuana Rescheduled! ![\"🌿\"](\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1f33f.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"🔥\"](\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1f525.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
Advocates and associations<\/h3>\n
Industry Stakeholders<\/h3>\n
Opponents<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nRead More: Lawmakers, Advocates And Stakeholders React To DEA\u2019s Historic Marijuana Rescheduling Decision, With Many Calling For Bolder Reform<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"