Summary: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that marijuana has a lower potential for abuse compared to other drugs under the same restrictions, supporting its reclassification as a Schedule 3 drug. This reclassification would align marijuana with drugs that have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.
Marijuana Reclassification To Schedule 3 Drug Supported by FDA Review
Marijuana, currently classified as a Schedule I substance, is considered among the most dangerous controlled substances, alongside heroin and LSD. However, recent FDA documents support its reclassification to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine, testosterone, and Tylenol with codeine. This recommendation is based on three criteria: marijuana’s lower abuse potential compared to Schedule I and II substances, its accepted medical use in the US, and its low to moderate physical dependence risk.
The FDA’s evaluation indicates that despite the high prevalence of nonmedical marijuana use in the US, it does not lead to serious outcomes compared to drugs like heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine. This is noteworthy, especially considering the availability of high THC products. The FDA also acknowledges some scientific support for marijuana’s therapeutic uses, particularly for anorexia, pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, they clarify that this does not imply established safety and effectiveness for any specific health condition.
Marijuana withdrawal, primarily observed in heavy, chronic users, is reportedly milder compared to alcohol withdrawal. The symptoms, similar to those from chronic use of Marinol and Syndros (FDA-approved synthetic THC products), align with tobacco withdrawal in terms of magnitude and timeline.
Rescheduling marijuana could facilitate research, ease banking for cannabis businesses, and exempt them from a tax code that currently disallows credits and deductions from income generated by Schedule I and II substances. Twenty-four states, two territories, and DC have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, and 38 states allow medical cannabis.
The DEA will have the final say in any scheduling changes, following a rulemaking process that includes public comments before finalizing any action.
Why It Matters: The potential reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug marks a significant shift in the federal government’s stance on cannabis. It reflects a growing recognition of marijuana’s medical benefits and lower abuse potential, potentially leading to more research opportunities and easing restrictions on cannabis businesses.
Potential Implications: If marijuana is reclassified, it could lead to broader acceptance and use of cannabis for medical purposes, stimulate further research into its therapeutic benefits, and significantly impact the legal and financial landscape of the cannabis industry.
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Despite the massive investment by some in the industry, outdoor grows are the healthier, cleaner option
Like fruits and vegetables, outdoor floors yield the richest flavor and the least expensive products. The same can be said about cannabis, outdoor marijuana grows are better all the way around. When the industry started becoming legal, hundreds of millions were invested in indoor grow with the assumption cost per pound would stay high. Companies like Tilray built massive indoor grows, but over time they have caused expensive upkeep, high consumer prices, and upset neighbors. And do they produce the best cannabis? By leveraging natural resources like sunlight and soil, this method reduces environmental impact, enhances product quality, and fosters community harmony.
Outdoor cannabis cultivation drastically lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to indoor growing. Research shows outdoor farming can emit up to 50 times less carbon dioxide than indoor production, which relies heavily on artificial lighting, air conditioning, and dehumidifiers. Additionally, outdoor grows eliminate the need for energy-intensive equipment, reducing electricity consumption and promoting sustainability. Water conservation is another key advantage; outdoor farms often use natural rainwater or precision watering techniques, minimizing waste. Furthermore, the absence of chemical fertilizers in many outdoor setups helps protect local ecosystems from pollution.
Outdoor growing is more cost-effective for both producers and consumers. It eliminates expenses associated with indoor cultivation—such as high electricity bills and specialized equipment—making cannabis more affordable. For home growers, cultivating outdoors fosters a connection with nature while empowering individuals to produce their own medicine sustainably.
Sun-grown cannabis benefits from exposure to full-spectrum natural light, enhancing its terpene profiles and cannabinoid production. This results in richer flavors, aromas, and potency that indoor setups struggle to replicate. Outdoor cultivation also allows plants to grow larger and healthier due to unrestricted space and access to diverse soil nutrients. This translates to higher yields and better-quality products for consumers. Additionally, outdoor-grown cannabis often develops unique characteristics influenced by the local terroir, offering a diverse range of experiences akin to wine production.
Outdoor marijuana farms are less disruptive to neighborhoods compared to indoor facilities. Indoor grows often require extensive infrastructure upgrades, leading to increased energy demand and noise pollution from machinery. There has been an uprising by some local governments about the grows.
In contrast, outdoor farms blend harmoniously with their surroundings, relying on natural processes rather than artificial systems. Moreover, outdoor cultivation supports local biodiversity by integrating companion plants that deter pests naturally and enrich the soil.
While outdoor cultivation is environmentally friendly, it poses challenges such as susceptibility to pests and weather fluctuations. However, solutions like greenhouses can provide controlled environments while retaining the benefits of natural sunlight. Choosing resilient strains adapted to local climates further ensures successful harvests.
The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?
He is one of the most globally well known figures and now he has health issue. The Pope resides in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and given its unique status , there is no healthcare system, medical centers, or hospitals. All patients must access clinics and hospitals in Rome for care. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has a robust healthcare system. It includes the renowned Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, which is considered one of the largest private university hospitals in Europe and the best in Italy. But it isn’t global known like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Toronto General. Thinking outside the box, could medical marijuana help Pope Francis?
As the Pope continues his recovery from pneumonia and mild kidney issues, medical experts are exploring innovative treatments that could potentially aid in his healing process. One such treatment gaining attention is medical marijuana, which has shown promise in addressing various health conditions.
Medical marijuana might offer relief for Pope Francis’srespiratory challenges. Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. While smoking cannabis is not recommended for respiratory conditions, alternative delivery methods such as vaporization or edibles could potentially provide therapeutic benefits without irritating the lungs
As the Pope recovers, pain management is likely a key concern. Medical marijuana has shown potential as a pain adjuvant, potentially reducing the need for opioids in patients with chronic conditions. This could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients like Pope Francis, who may be more susceptible to the side effects of traditional pain medications.
Recent studies have explored the relationship between cannabis and kidney function. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that cannabis does not negatively affect kidney function in healthy individuals. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), careful monitoring and dosage adjustment may be necessary to ensure safe use.
Medical marijuana has been associated with improvements in various symptoms that could enhance the Pope’s quality of life during recovery. These include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. Such benefits could contribute to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.
While the potential benefits of medical marijuana are intriguing, it’s important to approach any treatment the same caution as any elderly patient. A personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with medical professionals, would be essential to ensure safety and efficacy. As the world watches the Pope’s recovery, the consideration of medical marijuana as a complementary treatment option offers a ray of hope. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on specific conditions, the potential benefits for pain management, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being make it an intriguing possibility.
Medical marijuana has become widely accepted – what do Mormon’s allow?
Mormons are advised to abstain from coffee, tea, and alcohol as part of the Word of Wisdom,” a health code received by the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, which is now considered scripture. They are allowed hot chocolate, but not anything else with caffeine. But what about Mormons and marijuana? It seems the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, has evolved its stance on cannabis and medical marijuana over the years, balancing religious principles with changing societal attitudes and medical research.
Traditionally, the Mormon church has opposed the use of substances that are “harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment,” as stated in its official handbook. This stance has historically included cannabis, alongside tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. But in recent years, the church has nuanced its position, particularly regarding medical marijuana. In 2016, the church supported efforts to legalize CBD oil in Utah, while still opposing whole-plant cannabis remedies. By 2018, the church played a significant role in Utah’s medical marijuana legalization process. Initially opposing a ballot measure, the church later helped broker a compromise that led to a more conservative medical marijuana program. Then in 2019, the church clarified its stance in its youth magazine, stating that while marijuana may be legal in many places, its use is still against the Word of Wisdom (the church’s health code). However, it acknowledged that medical uses were being studied.
Utah, home of the Mormon church headquarters, generally has lower liquor and tobacco sales compared to other states, with Utah collecting the lowest per-capita alcohol taxes in the nation, and having strict regulations on alcohol and tobacco sales. This clearly shows their beliefs have become somewhat off a cultural norm. Currently, the church’s current stance on medical marijuana is it does not oppose medical marijuana when used as prescribed by a competent physician. This includes vaping marijuana when authorized based on medical necessity. But, the church continues to strongly oppose recreational marijuana use.
Additionally, the church advises caution, comparing marijuana to opioids and other addictive substances that should be avoided except under proper medical care.
In Utah, the church initially opposed a broad medical marijuana ballot initiative in 2018. But as cannabis was proven to have medical benefits, they facilitated negotiations between lawmakers, advocates, and other stakeholders to create a restrictive medical marijuana law. The resulting program includes limitations such as prohibiting smoking of marijuana flower (only vaporization is allowed), lower purchase limits, and requiring a pharmacist at every dispensary.
The church’s stance continues to evolve and in 2020, the church updated its handbook to explicitly allow vaping of medical marijuana when authorized by a medical provider. Church leaders have emphasized the need for prompt action on medical marijuana legislation, recognizing the urgency for those who may benefit from it. The church maintains that it respects the counsel of medical professionals and supports scrutiny of new drugs by medical scientists and official approval bodies.