On April 20, 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it would be redesignating cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This decision was met with skepticism and criticism from many experts and advocates in the cannabis industry.
The DEA claimed that this decision was based on new research and evidence showing that cannabis has potential medical benefits and a lower potential for abuse than previously thought. However, many believe that this redesignation is merely a ploy to maintain control over the burgeoning cannabis industry and limit access to medical marijuana.
One of the main reasons why this redesignation is seen as a crock and a con on the people is because Schedule III substances are still tightly regulated and controlled by the government. This means that cannabis would still be subject to strict regulations and limitations, making it difficult for patients to access medical marijuana.
Additionally, by keeping cannabis in a Schedule III category, the DEA is able to maintain its power and control over the cannabis industry. This allows the government to continue to profit from the prohibition of marijuana and limit competition from legal cannabis businesses.
Furthermore, many experts argue that cannabis belongs in a less restrictive category, such as Schedule II or even Schedule IV, based on its medical benefits and low potential for abuse. By keeping it in Schedule III, the DEA is able to maintain its grip on the industry and limit the potential for widespread legalization.
In conclusion, the redesignation of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III is seen as a crock and a con on the people because it maintains government control over the industry and limits access to medical marijuana. This decision is not based on scientific evidence or public health concerns, but rather on maintaining power and profit for the DEA.
Sources:
- “DEA Redesignates Cannabis as Schedule III Drug” – DEA Press Release, April 20, 2020
- “The Truth About Cannabis Scheduling” – National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
- “Why the DEA’s Cannabis Redesignation is a Sham” – High Times Magazine