Marijuana reclassification: Removing marijuana from the controlled substances Act

Publications

Marijuana reclassification: Removing marijuana from the controlled substances Act

10 March 2014

The current system for classifying illegal (and most legal) drugs is flawed, outdated and unscientific. Marijuana should be reclassified in order to facilitate research, ensure patient access, and permit its legal regulation. Established by the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, this system erroneously places marijuana in the most restrictive class, Schedule I, reserved for drugs with a "high potential for abuse”, "no currently accepted medical use" and a “lack of accepted safety."

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.