The Debate Over Downgrading Marijuana’s Classification: Implications for Medical Practices and Patients
For decades, government officials have been debating the laws and regulations surrounding marijuana. The current political climate has reignited a proposal to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. However, it remains unclear whether this change would have significant implications for medical practices and patients.
To better understand the potential effects of reclassification, we spoke with Dr. Mikhail Kogan, associate professor of medicine and medical director at the George Washington University Center for Integrative Medicine, and Griffen J Thorne, a partner at Lewis Brisbois and chair of the Lewis Brisbois Cannabis, Hemp, and Regulated Substances Practice.
Reclassification of Marijuana: What Does it Mean?
Thorne believes that reclassification will not significantly impact the average person. Politicians claim that no individual should be in jail for marijuana use, but to achieve this, they would need to consider descheduling the substance and allowing states or federal agencies to regulate it, similar to tobacco and alcohol. Reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III means that individuals found in possession of the substance could still face penalties or jail time from federal law enforcement or law enforcement in states that have not yet regulated marijuana.
While reclassification may not have a significant impact on the average person, it could potentially reduce tax burdens for state-licensed cannabis businesses and enable more research opportunities, which may have downstream effects on clinical practices and social stigmas.
The Potential Impact of Rescheduling on Drug Research
According to Dr. Kogan, reclassification would open new doors for research. A lower classification would streamline the process for obtaining necessary federal licenses and funding, allowing researchers to explore the impacts of marijuana on conditions beyond pain management, such as neurologic disorders, mental health conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
Current research has shown promising effects of cannabis in treating seizure disorders, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. However, cannabis-based medications are already available for these conditions. Broadening research on marijuana could help better understand the risks and benefits of its use in healthy populations and for specific mental or physical conditions.
Public Health Implications of Rescheduling Marijuana
As a Schedule I drug, cannabis is considered to have “no accepted medical purpose” and a high risk for abuse. However, clear criteria have been established for cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is defined as the continued use of cannabis and an inability to quit despite harmful consequences.
Reclassification should consider the potential for increased marijuana use and risk for CUD.
