Will Cannabis Ever be Descheduled?

Imagine a world where cannabis is no longer classified as a Schedule 1 drug. A world where the stigma surrounding this versatile plant has been lifted and its potential benefits can be fully explored. 

It may sound like a distant dream, but the possibility of cannabis being descheduled is steadily gaining traction. So in this blog post, we will delve into the current legal status of cannabis in the U.S., and weigh the pros and cons of potentially removing it from Schedule 1 classification. 

So grab your favorite strain and join us on this journey to uncover whether cannabis will ever be descheduled! But first things first, let’s take a quick dive into what cannabis is, its types, and consumption methods. 

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds can be consumed in several forms, including:

• Smoking or vaping the dried flowers
• Ingesting edibles such as cookies or brownies infused with cannabis oil
• Or using topical products like lotions and creams. 

Each method of consumption may result in varying levels of psychoactive effects. Which is why it is considered a Schedule 1 substance. However, cannabis has been utilized for both medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. 

So let’s take a closer look at the history of cannabis to gain a better understanding of how this came to be and pinpoint the moment that marijuana became a classified illegal drug. 

The History of Cannabis in the United States

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal and recreational properties and the history of cannabis in the United States is truly complex and fascinating. So let’s take a walk through history to further understand the current status of cannabis in the U.S.

The 1900’s | Marihuana Tax Act 

In the early 1900s, attitudes towards cannabis began to change due to concerns about its potential negative effects on society, which led to the introduction of strict laws and regulations surrounding its use. In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, effectively criminalizing cannabis at the federal level. 

The 1970’s | The Counterculture Movement

Throughout the following decades, public opinion on cannabis gradually shifted, thus stating the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s which brought increased visibility to marijuana use and sparked debates over its legality. 

The Modern Days | Legalization Efforts

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards relaxing cannabis laws in many states across America. As of now, several states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, while others allow it for medical purposes only. 

However, cannabis still remains a schedule 1 drug. So to further understand how we can get to declassify cannabis, let’s take a closer look at its current legal status.

The Current Legal Status of Cannabis

Cannabis is as of now classified as a Schedule I drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration due to its psychotropic properties and alleged potential for abuse when used recreationally at high doses over prolonged periods of time.

This classification means that it is not currently accepted for medical use, despite its ever-growing acceptance within the medical community. And the medical community isn’t the only one questioning the validity of what the DEA claims over cannabis use. 

Despite this classification at the federal level, many states within the United States have enacted their own laws regarding cannabis legalization.  As of now, over 30 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 12 states have gone further to legalize recreational use as well. 

This patchwork of state laws has created a unique situation where individuals can legally purchase and consume cannabis in certain jurisdictions while still being at risk of federal prosecution, leading to numerous challenges for both businesses and individuals alike. 

Despite this, there has been growing momentum towards reforming cannabis policies on a national level, by descheduling cannabis, which could potentially open up new opportunities. Let’s take a look at a few things that could happen if it were to be deschedueled. 

The Top 3 Potential Benefits if Cannabis was Descheduled

The potential impact of making cannabis legal on a federal level is a topic of much debate and speculation. But one thing is certain: it would have significant benefits for various sectors, including:

1. Healthcare, by opening up avenues for further research on treating various conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and PTSD.
2. The economy, by creating a billion dollar industry, generating immense revenue potential for thousands of individuals and businesses alike. 
3. Law enforcement, by redirecting the resources from prosecuting cannabis-related offenses towards tackling more serious crimes, alleviating racial disparities. 

However, it's important to consider the potential downsides too. Critics argue that increased access to marijuana might lead to higher rates of addiction or abuse, especially among vulnerable populations like teenagers or individuals with mental health issues.

Though there are many possibilities that come along with descheduling cannabis, without proper regulations in place, these potentials may not be fully realized! So let’s take a closer look at some of the cons to descheduling cannabis to have a fuller picture of the issue.

The Top 3 Potential Risks on Descheduling Cannabis

There are some speculations on the potential risks associated with descheduling cannabis which have been the reason for delaying its complete legalization on a federal level in the United States. So let’s take a closer look at these concerns. 

1. It could lead to increased use among vulnerable populations, creating negative impacts on mental health, cognitive development, dependency risks, impaired driving incidents, and overall risks to public safety. 
2. Regulating cannabis would require comprehensive regulations regarding production standards, packaging requirements, marketing restrictions, potency limits,and age restrictions to ensure consumer safety.
3. Maintaining consistency across different jurisdictions would be essential to avoid confusion or legal conflicts surrounding its production,distribution,and consumption.

Note that this section does not conclude or summarize the points presented; it solely presents both sides without taking a definitive stance on whether descheduling cannabis is ultimately beneficial or detrimental.

Conclusion

The question of whether cannabis will ever be descheduled in the United States remains uncertain. While there is growing support for its decriminalization and legalization, there are still significant hurdles to overcome.

On one hand, it could lead to increased access for patients who rely on its therapeutic properties. It could also generate tax revenue and create jobs in the emerging legal market. On the other hand, concerns about public health and safety persist, including potential misuse or abuse of marijuana products.

However, only time will tell if we'll see a day when cannabis is no longer classified as a Schedule I drug nationwide. Until then, the debate surrounding its rescheduling or legalization will continue to play out at both the state and federal levels.