U.S. refuses to reclassify marijuana, but allows more research of potential benefits
MARKETWATCH 10:17 AM ET 8/11/2016
DEA says not enough proof marijuana is safe, effective medicine
The Drug Enforcement Administration Thursday rejected petitions to remove marijuana from its list of the most dangerous drugs -- a category that includes heroin and ecstasy -- while at the same time announcing a new policy to support expanded research into the substance.
In long-awaited responses, DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg said his decision to deny the petitions filed in 2009 and 2011 was based on government findings that marijuana has a high potential for abuse, coupled with a lack of evidence that it is a safe, effective medicine.
The petitioners had wanted the agency to remove marijuana from its current listing on "Schedule I," a category for drugs considered to have a significant abuse potential without any offsetting medical use.
At the same time, the DEA announced a new policy aimed at increasing the supply of marijuana available for researchers. For nearly 50 years, the U.S. has relied on a single grower to produce marijuana in a system designed primarily to support federally-funded research, as opposed to commercial product development.
The new policy will allow more people to register with the DEA to grow marijuana "not only to supply federally-funded or other academic researchers, but also for strictly commercial endeavors funded by the private sector and aimed at drug product development," the DEA said.
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