25 states now call marijuana “medicine.” Why doesn’t the DEA?

The DEA has held their stance with marijuana since the 1970's that marijuana is highly addictive and deserves the most heinous classification of drugs next to heroin. DEA officials seem to be the only ones unphased by modern science and medical testing showing that not only is cannabis shown to be one of the least addictive and recreational dangerous drugs, but that it can be a highly effective medicine for certain conditions. The public view of marijuana has changed drastically since the 70's and for good reason, but now it's the DEA's turn to publically label marijuana as medicine and dismiss the destructive war on drugs. Earlier this year, DEA officials announced they would consider rescheduling marijuana and announce their decision in the first 6 months of the year. Well here we are in June as Ohio becomes the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana - it's time for the DEA to stand up for whats right.

The DEA is currently in the final stages of reviewing a petition to re-schedule marijuana and has told lawmakers it will have a final decision by July. Advocates of medical marijuana reforms say the petition represents a chance to bring the agency more in line with public opinion, scientific consensus, and the lived experience of millions of medical marijuana patients.