# Reportedly, the Feds will reclassify medical marijuana as Schedule II on 9/1 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 20, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906 "2016-06-20T18:35:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/1 "2016-06-20T18:35:03Z")
This will effectively make medical marijuana legal at the Federal level. Rejoice! > **[U.S. Gov't Will Legalize Marijuana on August 1](https://www.smobserved.com/story/2016/06/18/news/us-govt-will-legalize-marijuana-on-august-1/1484.html?v=dea)** > > The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will reclassify marijuana as a "Schedule Two" drug on August 1, 2016, essentially legalizing medicinal cannabis in all 50 states with a doctor's prescription, said a DEA lawyer with knowledge of the matter.... ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/2 "2016-06-20T20:12:05Z")
It will also allow the government to provide funds for scientific research into the efficacy of the drug for medical issues. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/3 "2016-06-20T21:18:26Z")
'Bout dammed time. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/4 "2016-06-20T21:52:45Z")
[\*\*\* \* \* HOORAY!!! \* \* \*\*\*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4) ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/5 "2016-06-20T21:57:21Z")
Wow. Wonder how all those doctors who give out “recommendations” at $50-plus a pop feel about the news. ---
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/6 "2016-06-20T22:09:19Z")
It’s such an obscure “a DEA lawyer says” source that I’m tentative about believing it. Then there’s a Denver Post article about maybe July 1st. But I don’t quite understand where that date is coming from. Still, I’m hoping it’s true, if for no other reason than that there might be more real proper studies into medicinal use so I can quit hearing very one-sided “it does nothing” or “it heals almost everything” from each side of the debate. Real studies on the consequences on recreational use would be good, too. I mean, everything in excess is bad (alcohol, fatty foods, etc.), but it would be very good to know what the particular long-term negatives there are, how they are affected by the strain/composition/cutting with other products, and where the “too much” line generally is. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/7 "2016-06-20T22:22:55Z")
> [@Tzigone](#): > > Still, I’m hoping it’s true, if for no other reason than that there might be more real proper studies into medicinal use so I can quit hearing very one-sided “it does nothing” or “it heals almost everything” from each side of the debate. Of course, in a stunning twist, proper studies show it does nothing but get you high and make you hungry. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/8 "2016-06-20T22:30:46Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Wow. Wonder how all those doctors who give out “recommendations” at $50-plus a pop feel about the news. “Hmm… maybe I’ll be able to buy that second Maserati…” ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/9 "2016-06-20T22:57:46Z")
Maybe. We will see.:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2016, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/10 "2016-06-20T23:39:58Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > We will see.:dubious: We will see better with our seeing eye glasses. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/11 "2016-06-21T00:11:39Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > Maybe. > We will see.:dubious: Have you even even tried the stuff? ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/12 "2016-06-21T00:45:42Z")
It’s can’t happen soon enough for me. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/13 "2016-06-21T01:42:20Z")
Interesting if true. ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/14 "2016-06-21T14:24:30Z")
Two interesting articles concerning this, with differing opinions: [No, the DEA will not Legalize Marijuana on August 1](http://www.thedailychronic.net/2016/58940/no-dea-will-not-legalize-marijuana-august-1/) > [@](#): > > However, the only source of this information is an anonymous lawyer with knowledge of the matter: > > _The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will reclassify marijuana as a “Schedule Two” drug on August 1, 2016, essentially legalizing medicinal cannabis in all 50 states with a doctor’s prescription, said a DEA lawyer with knowledge of the matter._ > > Shouldn’t we be excited? Not quite, as this “news” is unlikely to be true. The entire article — which has since been cited as fact by several pro-cannabis blogs — is speculation and rumor from a source that is identified only as “The DEA Lawyer.” [What’s Worse Than Pot Staying Illegal? Pot As An FDA-Regulated Drug](http://www.inc.com/will-yakowicz/nightmare-of-schedule-ii-cannabis.html) > [@](#): > > The real concern among those in the industry is what happens if the FDA and DEA reschedule marijuana as a Schedule II drug. FDA regulation experts say if pot is placed in the same category as legal pharmaceutical formulations of opioids like oxycodone and stimulants like amphetamine the burden of keeping up with regulatory compliance might be too costly for many of today’s small marijuana companies. > > “Schedule II would be a nightmare for the cannabis industry,” says Andrew Ittleman, a lawyer and partner at Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph in Miami. His firm helps companies navigate FDA’s laws and regulations. > > Right now, since marijuana is classified as an illegal drug with no medical benefits, the drug’s prohibition is policed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies. But if it is reclassified as a drug with medical benefits, the FDA would lead the charge in regulating its manufacture, distribution, sale, and use. > > What’s more, under the Schedule II classification, every cannabis-derived product would be subject to the kind of scrutiny typically reserved for drugs like Adderall and OxyContin. If, for instance, a brand says its Cannabidiol (CBD) oil cures seizures or Tetrahydrocannabinol edibles (THC) relieve pain, the products will be targeted for testing. If the claims turn out to be unproven, that company could be charged with criminal misbranding, says Ittleman. So rather than just going back to the drawing board, a company’s operators might face prison time or fines. Further, if a company’s manufacturing facilities aren’t up to FDA standards, the products made in those facilities would be considered an “adulterated drug,” or impure and unfit for consumption, under federal law, says Ittleman. I’m going to assume this is a worst case scenario, and the FDA would allow companies a grace period to get up to code, and to allow previous test results and not just start fining or throwing folks into jail over misbranding laws right off the get go. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/15 "2016-06-21T16:29:08Z")
Or the new law just allows for research and medical mj stays quasi legal. And docs can prescribe without losing their DEA license. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/16 "2016-06-21T16:35:39Z")
If true, seeing as I’m French, I ain’t give a damn. But if true, seeing as I’m French, 'bout fucking time - as I’m sure my government will make a stupendous, new and interesting discovery re: the dire societal threat that is marijuana within the year. I don’t even partake mind you - it’s just been shameful, noodle-brained shit going on fifty years. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/17 "2016-06-21T16:45:42Z")
Doing this during the election is interesting. Hillary is for re-scheduling. Trump used to be all pro-legalization but now [shifts](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/the-candidates-positions_b_9744362.html) around. He does seem at least to be for medical marijuana. Hence, neither candidate is going to be able to leverage anti-re-scheduling into a major campaign issue. And as to the secondary races, people can’t rail too much against it and still claim to support their party’s nominee. It would be good timing. I wonder how this would affect the banking laws. Could marijuana shops now use regular banks, take credit cards, etc.? ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/18 "2016-06-21T16:56:21Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > Maybe. > We will see.:dubious: Healthy skepticism is a Good thing. I live in a state where the governor has vowed to never ever let it be allowed in any way shape or form or under any circumstances whatsoever. He’s also not just our governor, but the right hand of / the presumptive VP of / the un-official voice of Donald Trump. When he speaks and takes a stand that strongly, we have to assume that it is with the full weight, authority, and support of Mr. Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/19 "2016-06-21T20:51:07Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > Healthy skepticism is a Good thing. > > I live in a state where the governor has vowed to never ever let it be allowed in any way shape or form or under any circumstances whatsoever. > He’s also not just our governor, but the right hand of / the presumptive VP of / the un-official voice of Donald Trump. > > When he speaks and takes a stand that strongly, we have to assume that it is with the full weight, authority, and support of Mr. Trump. Mr Trumps weight is similar to a Naval Sub Chaser, his support vanishes like a Desert Mirage, & his authority is the stuff of which farce is made. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2016, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reportedly-the-feds-will-reclassify-medical-marijuana-as-schedule-ii-on-9-1/757906/20 "2016-06-21T20:52:27Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Have you even even tried the stuff? No, never.