TALKING POINTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: SUPPORT FOR RESCHEDULING MARIJUANA TO SCHEDULE III INTRODUCTION Members of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) who support the recommendation to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III can use the following talking points during the federal rulemaking public comment period. These points highlight the scientific, medical, and regulatory reasons for supporting the rescheduling initiative as outlined in the DEA Rescheduling Draft (Docket No. DEA-1362; A.G. Order No. 5931-2024).
KEY TALKING POINTS 1. LOWER POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE:
Scientific Consensus: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has determined that marijuana has a relatively lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II substances. This aligns with the broader scientific understanding that while marijuana is widely used, its abuse potential is significantly less than that of drugs like heroin and cocaine • Attorney General's Conclusion: Based on HHS’s scientific and medical findings, marijuana does not warrant control under Schedule I due to its lower abuse potential and dependence liability • 2. ACCEPTED MEDICAL USE: Medical Utility: Marijuana has a currently accepted medical use in the United States, as recognized by the HHS. It is used in state-authorized medical programs to treat conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, and other debilitating symptoms • Clinical Evidence: There is substantial clinical evidence supporting the medical benefits of marijuana, which justifies its placement in Schedule III where drugs with accepted medical uses and lower abuse potential are classified • 3. SAFETY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION: Regulatory Controls: Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III will impose appropriate regulatory controls to ensure its safe use under medical supervision. This will include specific guidelines for manufacturing, distributing, and prescribing marijuana, thereby minimizing risks associated with its medical use • Public Health Benefits: By rescheduling marijuana, patients will have better access to a substance that can effectively manage their symptoms while ensuring that the necessary safeguards are in place to prevent misuse and abuse • 4. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS: Support for Minority Communities: Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III can have positive economic and social impacts, particularly for minority communities. •
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