Policy

DEA Stops Citing AMA on Medical Marijuana

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Speaking of evolving positions on medical marijuana, it looks like the DEA has stopped telling the public "the American Medical Association recommends that marijuana remain a Schedule I controlled substance," a legal category that signifies a high potential for abuse, a lack of medical utility, and a lack of safety even under medical supervision. That statement was still on the DEA's website (under the heading "Exposing the Myth of Smoked Medical Marijuana: The Facts") as of late this afternoon, despite last week's AMA resolution recommending that "the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and alternate delivery methods." But the AMA citation is now gone, possibly due to an emailing campaign organized by Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

The AMA-endorsed statement on medical marijuana is here (PDF).