TALKING POINTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: ADVOCACY FOR RESCHEDULING MARIJUANA TO SCHEDULE V Members of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) who advocate for rescheduling marijuana to Schedule V can use the following talking points during the federal rulemaking public comment period. These points highlight the rationale for a Schedule V designation, addressing the DEA's and the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) procedures and the eight-step process identified in 21 U.S.C. 811.
KEY TALKING POINTS
1. LOWER POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE: Relative to Schedule III: Marijuana has a lower potential for abuse compared to substances in Schedule III. The abuse potential of marijuana is lower than that of many substances currently classified in higher schedules, making Schedule V a more appropriate classification Comparative Data: Evidence shows that marijuana is associated with fewer severe health outcomes compared to drugs in Schedules I-III, supporting a lower scheduling designation to reflect its lower risk profile • • 2. CURRENTLY ACCEPTED MEDICAL USE: Widespread Medical Acceptance: Marijuana is recognized for its medical use in numerous states across the U.S., demonstrating its efficacy in treating conditions like chronic pain, nausea, and more. This acceptance aligns with the requirements for Schedule V, which includes drugs with accepted medical uses • Scientific Evidence: Multiple studies and clinical trials have documented the therapeutic benefits of marijuana, reinforcing its status as a drug with accepted medical use • 3. LIMITED DEPENDENCE LIABILITY: Physical and Psychological Dependence: Marijuana's potential for physical and psychological dependence is relatively low, fitting the criteria for Schedule V. The mild withdrawal symptoms observed further support this lower scheduling • Comparison with Schedule IV: The potential for dependence on marijuana is less than that of Schedule IV substances, which supports its placement in Schedule V where drugs have an even lower potential for abuse and dependence • 4. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY: Safety Profile: The safety of marijuana when used under medical supervision is well-established, with fewer severe adverse effects compared to higher-scheduled substances. This aligns with the requirements for Schedule V, which include safety under medical supervision • Regulatory Controls: Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule V would maintain necessary regulatory controls while allowing broader access for medical use, ensuring public health and safety are protected •
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