U.S. Senator James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, is spearheading Senate opposition to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposal to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. This article delves into the reasons behind this opposition, citing numerous studies and concerns raised by Lankford and other lawmakers.

Current Classification and Proposed Changes

• Schedule I Drugs: These have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety under medical supervision.
• Schedule III Drugs: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use, and moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Historical Context

In 2016, the DEA rejected two petitions to remove marijuana from Schedule I. However, changes in methodology by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could potentially allow marijuana to be reclassified despite not meeting the traditional five-part test used by the DEA to determine medical use.

Concerns Raised by Lankford

Methodological Changes

Lankford argues that the HHS’s new two-part test, which considers whether there is “widespread current experience” with medical use and some credible scientific support, lacks the rigorous standards of the previous five-part test. This shift raises concerns about the potential reclassification of other Schedule I substances under less stringent criteria.

Health Concerns

Lankford points to several studies highlighting the risks associated with marijuana use:

• Schizophrenia and Young Men: A study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that up to 30% of schizophrenia cases in young men could be prevented if they did not use marijuana.
• Association with Mental Health Issues: Cannabis use has been linked to psychosis, anxiety, cognitive failures, and other psychiatric disorders.
• Adverse Health Outcomes: Recent research indicates significant correlations between marijuana use and adverse cardiovascular events, respiratory issues, cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Car Crashes: Legalisation of marijuana has been associated with a 6.5% increase in injury-causing car crashes and a 2.3% increase in fatal car crashes.
• PTSD and Veterans: Marijuana use among veterans with PTSD has been linked to worse PTSD symptoms, increased violent behaviour, and higher alcohol use.

FDA Stance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only authorised a limited number of marijuana-related drugs and has never approved the type of marijuana typically available in dispensaries. This cautious stance underscores the ongoing debate about the drug’s safety and efficacy.

Senator Lankford’s opposition to the DEA’s proposed reclassification of marijuana to Schedule III highlights significant concerns about health risks and the potential implications of changing long-standing regulatory processes. The cited studies provide substantial evidence that warrants careful consideration before making any regulatory changes.

Source: OCPA Think