Push for Rescheduling Cannabis Gains Momentum Across the U.S.

In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of activity surrounding the rescheduling of cannabis at both the state and federal levels. The head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Robert Califf, told elected officials this week that he believes there is "no reason" for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to delay making changes to the scheduling of marijuana. This statement comes as lawmakers in various states, including New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, are pushing for legalization and reform of cannabis laws.

One notable event was the New Hampshire House passing a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, making it the fourth state in New England to do so. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania held a hearing on the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis, with advocates and experts testifying on the positive impacts it could have on the state's economy and public health. However, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concerns about public cannabis smoking and proposed a ban on it, sparking debate among lawmakers and advocates.

Absent from these discussions were social justice advocates, scientists, and public health experts concerned about the potential harms of marijuana use. While the cannabis industry celebrated President Biden's mention of the DEA's ongoing review of marijuana scheduling, there are still lingering questions about the timeline and process for rescheduling. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in on the issue, expressing concerns about possible UN penalties for legalizing cannabis at the federal level.

DEA officials reportedly are at odds with the Biden administration over the push for rescheduling marijuana, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of drug policy reform. Three Republican senators have urged the DEA to reject recommendations from the top federal health agency regarding marijuana scheduling, adding to the political divide on the issue. Despite these challenges, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to address the Biden administration's stance on cannabis rescheduling in a meeting with stakeholders.

Overall, the push for rescheduling cannabis is gaining momentum across the US, with lawmakers, advocates, and officials engaging in heated debates and discussions. The potential impact of these efforts on public health, criminal justice, and economic development remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - the conversation around cannabis rescheduling is far from over.