WASHINGTON, DC – Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR), an organization advocating for sensible drug policies focused on health and equity, applauds recent moves in Washington, D.C. that signal a shift away from cannabis prohibition.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III occurred earlier this week. The change supports the fact that cannabis has medical uses and could ease some tax burdens for cannabis businesses. However, strict federal controls would remain even under Schedule III.
“This rescheduling is a major milestone on the path to ending an unfair cannabis policy that began in 1937. History will remember this as a turning point,” said Dr. David Nathan, founder of D4DPR. “Now, the majority of Americans who support it want to see cannabis completely removed from the Controlled Substances Act. Our goal is regulation that treats cannabis like a medicine, respects responsible adult use and protects kids.”
A step forward came on May 1st when Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA). This bill would fully deschedule cannabis, create a comprehensive regulatory system, allow existing state-legal programs to continue, expand research, and expunge past cannabis convictions – righting past wrongs.
“The momentum to end cannabis prohibition is exciting. CAOA offers a well-rounded approach that addresses the failures of current policies and the harms they’ve caused,” said Dr. Bryon Adinoff, current president of D4DPR. “We call on lawmakers from all sides to make this a priority for the health of our communities.”