A coalition of military veterans organizations is pushing President Joe Biden to ensure that the ongoing administrative review into marijuana’s scheduling status is completed in a “timely manner” and also take steps to “counter” misinformation while pursuing broader reform.
In a letter sent to the president last week, multiple veterans-focused groups expressed appreciation for his directive initiating the marijuana review last year, which led the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recommend that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
“This process represents a significant opportunity for our nation to lead with science over fear, and begin righting the wrongs of prohibition,” the groups, which include Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, wrote. “The actions taken by your administration and HHS have been historic, and lay the groundwork for the significant work ahead, including the need to ensure that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) expeditiously accepts the scientific and medically founded recommendation.”
DEA is currently completing its part of the review before making a final determination. While the scientific findings of HHS are binding, the law enforcement agency is not required to abide by the Schedule III rescheduling recommendation.
“As representatives of our nation’s Veterans communities, these issues of safe access and research could not be more important,” the letter says. “The individuals who work every day to protect our great nation deserve every ounce of support as they tackle the physical and psychological impacts of their service as they return from active duty.”
The groups included anecdotes from members in the letter, detailing how cannabis has helped them transition away from certain pharmaceuticals and improved symptoms of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
To read more, click on Marijuana Moment