A coalition of 14 Republican congressional lawmakers, spearheaded by senior clowns Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Pete Sessions, has penned a letter to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, vehemently opposing cannabis reform and advocating for the continued classification of cannabis in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). They argue that any consideration of rescheduling cannabis should be firmly rooted in “proven facts and science,” rather than influenced by “popular opinion” or “changes in state laws.”
The other signatories include Sens. Michael Rounds (R-SD), James Risch (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Budd (R-NC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), as well as Reps. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Hal Rogers (R-KY), Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ).
However, their stance appears at odds with prevailing scientific consensus and emerging research. While they express concerns about the potential for cannabis abuse, it is essential to clarify that the cited 30% cannabis use disorder rate encompasses individuals who use cannabis without necessarily demonstrating signs of addiction, signs of declining health or signs of causing any significant harm to self or others. All studies suggest that cannabis is less addictive than substances like tobacco and alcohol.
Additionally, their emphasis on the increasing THC potency in recent years as a potential factor in addiction overlooks the complex interplay of factors contributing to substance misuse, including individual susceptibility and social contexts.
Furthermore, their contention that cannabis lacks an accepted medical use contradicts the growing body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential. Many states have legalized medical cannabis, with numerous patients reporting relief from conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety.
To most people, after seeing the immediate relief that epileptic patients and Parkinson’s patients receive seconds after ingesting cannabis, you’d think it would be obvious that the plant has positive and worthy benefits to medical patients.
And those aren’t subtle results, hundreds of videos can show the magical effects of the plant to people who are clearly suffering. Only evil people, in this case the 14 GOP members, can turn a blind eye and allow these people to suffer. SHAME ON THEM. The lawmakers’ argument that FDA-approved cannabis-derived drugs are fundamentally distinct from recreational cannabis is somewhat misleading. While these drugs are developed for specific medical applications, they contain compounds derived from cannabis, underscoring the plant’s therapeutic potential.
Lastly, their invocation of the DEA’s rejection of rescheduling petitions in 2016 fails to account for significant advancements in cannabis research and legalization efforts, rendering their argument somewhat outdated.
In summary, the Republican lawmakers’ arguments seem to diverge from evolving scientific understanding and the real-world impact of cannabis in society. While they stress the importance of evidence-based policymaking, it is crucial to consider the broader scientific consensus and the experiences of states that have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. Let it be known that these 14 GOP members choose politics over the health and well-being of millions of Americans who can see immediate medical relief from cannabis. They should be ashamed.
