ATACH Applauds Groundbreaking Decision By DEA Will Move Cannabis to Schedule III

In response to the proposed rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH) issued the following statement:

“Today’s reported news means that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is one step closer to the most historic cannabis reform in U.S. history. In proposing to move cannabis down from Schedule I to Schedule III – a federal ranking signifying the abuse potential of a drug – the DEA will reverse decades of failed drug policies which have devastated countless lives. Cannabis is not the same as heroin, fentanyl or opium, which are Schedule I drugs. Today the federal government recognizes the medical use of cannabis, its low potential for abuse, and takes a science-based approach to public health.

“ATACH has played a leading role and founded the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR) over a year ago and is managing the campaign to influence and impact today’s rule change through education, advocacy, and awareness. ATACH applauds the Biden Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and the DEA in valuing the science presented to them. 

“Reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III recognizes it will advance safety and responsible use by supporting the regulated market, which is bound by strict state rules concerning age restrictions, marketing to adults, product safety, and quality. The move should further signal to the criminal justice system that cannabis should be a lower priority and to ease restrictions.

“ATACH will continue the fight to reclassify cannabis and we applaud today’s long awaited news.” 

– ATACH President Michael Bronstein