New York State Office of Cannabis Management Advocates for Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana
08/02/2024
In a historic move last month, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) submitted public comments to the federal government, supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in reevaluating marijuana’s classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This step signifies a shift in policy that aligns with the views of 88% of Americans who advocate for cannabis legalization, reflecting a growing consensus that cannabis should be regulated and accessible for both medical and adult-use purposes.
New York State has been a pioneer in the cannabis industry, with its decade-long state-run medical cannabis program and the 2021 legalization of adult-use cannabis. The state has focused on regulating the cannabis industry to ensure public health and safety. The potential federal rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III would recognize its medicinal value, in line with recent recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In their comments, OCM requested additional guidance from the federal government to facilitate this transition. Specifically, they highlighted the need for guidance similar to the Cole Memorandum (2013), which outlined federal enforcement priorities and supported state-regulated cannabis programs. This request underscores the importance of a clear federal framework to support state efforts in regulating cannabis.
New York’s comprehensive cannabinoid hemp, adult-use, and medical cannabis programs include hundreds of licensees and over 100,000 medical cannabis patients. These patients rely on access to regulated cannabis for their well-being. While rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is a significant step forward, it is crucial for state-regulated cannabis programs to receive assurances from the federal government that these programs will remain stable and accessible to consumers as new federal policies are developed.
The OCM’s advocacy reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of New York’s cannabis programs. By supporting federal rescheduling and seeking clear guidance, New York aims to ensure that its regulated cannabis industry continues to protect public health, provide medicinal benefits, and contribute to the state’s economy. This proactive stance positions New York as a leader in the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation, paving the way for a more inclusive and medically supportive approach to cannabis across the nation.
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New York State has been a pioneer in the cannabis industry, with its decade-long state-run medical cannabis program and the 2021 legalization of adult-use cannabis. The state has focused on regulating the cannabis industry to ensure public health and safety. The potential federal rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III would recognize its medicinal value, in line with recent recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In their comments, OCM requested additional guidance from the federal government to facilitate this transition. Specifically, they highlighted the need for guidance similar to the Cole Memorandum (2013), which outlined federal enforcement priorities and supported state-regulated cannabis programs. This request underscores the importance of a clear federal framework to support state efforts in regulating cannabis.
New York’s comprehensive cannabinoid hemp, adult-use, and medical cannabis programs include hundreds of licensees and over 100,000 medical cannabis patients. These patients rely on access to regulated cannabis for their well-being. While rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is a significant step forward, it is crucial for state-regulated cannabis programs to receive assurances from the federal government that these programs will remain stable and accessible to consumers as new federal policies are developed.
The OCM’s advocacy reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of New York’s cannabis programs. By supporting federal rescheduling and seeking clear guidance, New York aims to ensure that its regulated cannabis industry continues to protect public health, provide medicinal benefits, and contribute to the state’s economy. This proactive stance positions New York as a leader in the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation, paving the way for a more inclusive and medically supportive approach to cannabis across the nation.
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