As this FGGAM writer has reported many times, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, New Mexico and many other states may have declared marijuana to be ‘legal’ for medicinal and recreational use, and established regulatory programs, but it is illegal under federal law because marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), 21 USC 812(b)(1)-(5), Schedules of Controlled Substances.
According to the CSA, Schedule I drugs or substances: 1) have a high potential for abuse; 2) have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and 3) lack accepted safety for use of the drug or substance under medical supervision. The CSA’s list of Schedule I-V substances may be reviewed HERE – which continues to list Tetrahydrocannabinols as a Schedule I drug.
Fox News reports today that the Biden administration is making marijuana reclassification under the CSA a priority, seeking to override the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (“DEA”) failure to approve a change to the CSA based on the assertion that marijuana has legitimate and scientifically-proven medicinal value.
Fox News points out that politics, not science, is driving the Biden-Harris administration’s push to reschedule marijuana, as rescheduling will require the jettisoning of established standards and the lessening of the rigor of the scientific process.
First, marijuana meets the first criteria of CSA Schedule I drugs because it has a high potential for abuse, a position which the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) agreed with until now, despite marijuana being a ‘gateway drug’ and the potential for abuse actually increasing because of rising THC concentrations making it more potent.
Second, marijuana is highly addictive, with 1/3 of persons using marijuana in the last year meeting the criteria for addiction and half of its daily users becoming dependent on the drug.
And, if that was not enough, marijuana has wide-ranging negative effects on mental and physical health, with long-term cannabis use credibly linked to increased risks of psychosis, suicide, hallucinations or paranoia, which is especially harmful to our children and teenagers.
The Fox News article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, it appears that even U.S. drug laws and medical determinations are being driven by partisan politics, with the current administration sidestepping its own DEA’s conclusions and pushing forward with drug reclassification – and make no mistake, the intent is to move forward at the federal level toward complete legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational use. But, at what cost?
We already have too many troubling issues in society, and especially with our youth, without encouraging damaging drug use. What about our children? In a society where simply walking to school or playing outside with neighbor friends is forbidden or discouraged due to crime and drugs, and children spend an inordinate amount of time behind closed doors fixated on social media and cellular telephones, why would we take another step to make it even easier for children in every state to become addicted to, and suffer the medical consequences of, marijuana use?
Let’s pray for wisdom in how the federal government manages this situation of its own creation. Too many are highly emotionally, physically, economically and politically invested in free-wheeling marijuana use. The answer within the realm of civil government has become highly challenging – and that’s an understatement. The Answer, of course, was, is and remains, JESUS!
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, [a]nd lean not on your own understanding; [i]n all your ways acknowledge Him, [a]nd He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; [f]ear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, [a]nd strength to your bones.”
Let’s also never forget that as believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us. Why would we want to knowingly take a harmful drug that clouds our minds, inhibits good judgement, becomes an idol and is an affront to the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Your Body Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
“…[d]o you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”