Over 33,000 Comments Flood DEA's Cannabis Rescheduling Proposal As July 22 Submission Deadline Looms

As the public comment period for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) proposal to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act nears its July 22 deadline, the initiative has garnered significant public engagement. More than 33,000 comments have been submitted, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions about cannabis policy in the U.S.

The proposal, initially published by the Department of Justice on May 21, suggests moving cannabis from Schedule I, which includes drugs deemed to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse, to Schedule III, which includes drugs with a lesser potential for abuse and accepted medical uses. This shift comes after the Department of Health and Human Services recommended the reclassification, acknowledging cannabis’s medical viability and lower abuse potential compared to substances like heroin and cocaine.

Broad Public Support For Rescheduling

Public sentiment, as aggregated by Benzinga from over 4,000 comments, shows wide support for rescheduling, with approximately 75.9% of feedback favoring the change. Many supporters emphasize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and critique the outdated federal policies that do not align with current scientific understanding or state-level legalizations. However, a vocal minority insists on complete descheduling of cannabis, arguing that Schedule III status still imposes unnecessary federal restrictions.

Read Also: [Infographic] DEA’s Proposed Rules For Marijuana: What You Need To Know

Clashing Views On DEA Rescheduling Proposal

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a cannabis specialist at Harvard Medical School, emphasized in his public comment, “Cannabis should be descheduled not rescheduled…it is markedly less harmful than tobacco or alcohol…and has vast therapeutic use,” noted Cannabis Business Times. This sentiment is echoed by the U.S. Cannabis Council’s executive director Edward Conklin, who in his comments praised the DEA’s action as “historic,” potentially leading to broader public health benefits and more robust cannabis research.

On the other end, opposition voices, represented in a comment by Smart Approaches to Marijuana argues that rescheduling could boost the cannabis industry similarly to big tobacco, potentially increasing cannabis use and associated harms, especially among youth.

Students Urged To Comment On Rescheduling

Anna Meyer, a legislative intern for Drug Policy Alliance, highlighted in a recent Filter Mag article that many college students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are unaware of the remaining opportunity to submit public comments on cannabis rescheduling. Meyer emphasized that federal prohibition continues to impose severe legal and educational consequences on students, such as loss of financial aid and future job prospects. Leveraging this comment period could push for descheduling, which she argues is necessary to fully eliminate these harms.

Deadline Nears For Public Comments Submission

As the deadline for public commentary approaches, the volume and content of responses underscore the importance Americans place on cannabis. For those interested in participating in this pivotal decision, comments can be submitted electronically through the Federal Register portal or by mail to the DEA until the evening of July 22.

Read Also:

• Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear To DEA: Reschedule Cannabis ‘Marijuana Products Will Reduce Suffering’

Image generated with AI tools.

Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.