92% of Comments Support Cannabis Changing Schedule; 61% Say Deschedule

Americans have shown overwhelming support for changing federal cannabis laws. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) recent comment period on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III concluded with a significant display of public backing. With over 42,000 comments submitted, the response was both substantial and decisively in favor of rescheduling.

In October 2022, President Biden announced a major step toward marijuana reform, emphasizing the need to reevaluate cannabis’s federal status. He stated, “No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.” Nearly two years later, in July 2024, this initiative has progressed, highlighting the administration’s commitment to its promises despite the complex nature of drug policy reform.

Public Response

The DEA’s call for public input resulted in an impressive 42,000 comments, comparable to the population of Juneau, Alaska. This level of engagement, unprecedented in DEA history, surpassed the previous record set by the 2020 telemedicine rules.

Typically, DEA proposals receive a few hundred to around 1,500 comments, but the cannabis rescheduling proposal garnered responses more than tenfold the usual amount, highlighting the centrality of cannabis policy in public discourse.

The comments revealed:

• 92.45% were in favor of rescheduling cannabis.
• 7.55% opposed any change.
• Among those favoring change, 61.7% advocated for complete descheduling, and 38.3% supported rescheduling to a less restrictive category.

This data underscores the broad support for changing cannabis’s federal status, with a majority pushing for more comprehensive reform than the proposed rescheduling to Schedule III.

Key Themes

The public comments reflected diverse perspectives:

• Medical Benefits: Supporters highlighted the potential medical advantages and increased research opportunities.
• Social Justice: Many emphasized the need for reform to address social justice issues and economic opportunities.
• Personal Liberty: Proponents of descheduling argued for the complete legalization of cannabis.
• Health Concerns: A smaller group cited health and safety concerns, advocating for more research before making any changes.

State-level health departments also contributed, with Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health raising concerns about the impact on state medical marijuana programs and federal regulations.

Analysis of Opposition

While most comments supported rescheduling, opposition groups also made their voices heard. For instance, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) mobilized their supporters, leading to a spike in anti-rescheduling comments on specific days. This pattern highlights the influence of organized advocacy in shaping public comment periods.

The Push for More Comprehensive Reform

Despite the significance of rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, the data shows that a majority of respondents (61.7%) favor complete descheduling. This suggests that while rescheduling is a positive step, it may be seen as insufficient by many.

With President Biden’s announcement on July 21, 2024, that he will not seek reelection, the administration faces increased pressure to deliver on its promises. Rescheduling cannabis could be a defining achievement for the outgoing administration, impacting both criminal justice and healthcare sectors.

The Rescheduling Process

The Department of Justice’s proposal to reschedule cannabis comes after a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services. Historically, drug rescheduling can take several years, but there are precedents for quicker timelines. Given the current political climate and public support, there is a compelling case for accelerating the process.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges remain, including potential hearings and compliance with international treaties. However, the overwhelming public support and political context make a strong case for swift action. Rescheduling cannabis could provide a significant boost to the Democratic ticket in the upcoming presidential election.

Conclusion

As the administration navigates its final months, fast-tracking cannabis rescheduling could address longstanding issues of social justice and medical access. The DEA now faces the task of responding to this unprecedented public engagement. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of cannabis policy in the United States.