DEA - EXCLUSIVE: We Analyzed 4000+ DEA Marijuana Rescheduling Comments; Here's What Americans Really Think | Benzinga
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently proposed a set of rules to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This proposed rule set, announced on May 21, 2024, marks a significant shift in federal drug policy, reflecting an evolving understanding of marijuana's medical use and its comparatively lower potential for abuse.
Benzinga Cannabis did a comprehensive analysis of more than 4,000 public comments submitted until May 23, which revealed strong support for the DEA's proposed rescheduling. Out of the total comments analyzed, 75.9% were positive, 21.2% were neutral, and only 2.8% were negative. This sentiment analysis underscores a broad consensus in favor of the proposed reclassification, with many commenters highlighting the medical benefits and the need for federal policy to align with state laws and scientific evidence.
Sentiment Analysis Of Public Comments
| Sentiment | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Positive | |
| 75.9% | |
| Neutral | |
| 21.2% | |
| Negative | |
| 2.8% |
Widespread Support And Personal Testimonies
Many commenters shared personal stories and expressed their support for the rescheduling. One wrote, "Do it. I mean you made alcohol legal, and marijuana is less dangerous." This sentiment was echoed by numerous others who pointed out the comparative harm between alcohol and marijuana.
Another commenter emphasized the potential impact on housing and justice. "Housing is a human right, but too many people are losing their homes due to cannabis-related offenses. Rescheduling could alleviate some of this injustice."
Calls For Complete Descheduling
While the majority of comments supported rescheduling to Schedule III, there were also voices advocating for the complete descheduling of marijuana. A cannabis nurse expressed this view: "As a cannabis nurse, rescheduling will NOT provide the protection patients need. It needs to be descheduled completely to allow for proper medical use and research."