Big news for fans that support cannabis legalization efforts. The World Health Organization has officially recognized cannabis for its medicinal use. They also suggest that the medicine should be rescheduled, from Schedule VI down to Schedule I of the current international drug treaty, initially signed in 1961.
Rescheduling would allow for medicinal prescriptions for patients in some nations. It would also allow further testing and research, which in turn could result in new medicinal uses being discovered. In lesser words, it means a whole new era for the alternative pharmaceuticals industry ... at least on the world stage.
The U.S. Ban on Pot
Sadly, the WHO's statement would not rectify current US restrictions on reefer as the United States has their own list of federally-controlled substances, and cannabis sits right at the very top. Marijuana is currently considered a Schedule I narcotic, the highest grade in the United States. This means that cannabis has no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse -- at least in the ignorant eyes of Uncle Sam.
That tough restriction has held strong for nearly 50 years now, provisionally no less, despite more and more research coming out in favor of pot. Add that over half the states have implemented a medical marijuana program, including Ohio and nearby states like Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania. And despite nearly one-third of the states having begun recreational programs. No matter how many facts, popularity or science you put behind pot, the government's stance has remained woefully uneducated.
America ... Not So Great When It Comes To Weed
It feels as though the very idea of pot legalization came from the States, particularly considering that California paved the way with their medical marijuana law, passed more than 20 years ago, back in 1996. And on the surface, more than half of the states have medical marijuana programs. But despite all of this, the United States has fallen far behind in medical research of cannabis.
Unfortunately, the federal restrictions on cannabis limit how much research can be conducted about cannabis and cannabis use, rendering the United States a dinosaur in the rapidly-evolving world of cannabis science. As a result, many countries including Canada, Israel, Spain and the Netherlands are among the top nations conducting thorough cannabis research.
But with the World Health Organization making this recent proclamation, there could be change brewing back in the States. Pressure from the international health community to reconsider cannabis and its legality is sure to mount as more nations join the cannabis movement. Eventually, the United States will appear backwards, or dated, on this issue, which is not a good look for the international scene, especially for a nation so prominent in the G8.
Political Minds That Change
There are rumblings that both sides of the political spectrum are considering rescheduling cannabis, with a few bipartisan bills (including HR 420) being introduced to congress. And at least half of the current crop of potential democratic candidates running for president in 2020 have expressed a desire to legalize marijuana once and for all. Even Trump expressed vague interest back on the campaign trail in 2016.
Ohio's own House representative, David Joyce, has joined the fight in allowing banking for cannabis companies, as has former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, who is pushing for federal legalization. Their opinions could ultimately make some waves within the Republican party, and shift the current staunchly anti-pot opinion of many conservatives into the realm of current public opinion (over 70% of households now favor legalization).
But until there's solid bipartisan support and a winning vote on cannabis, most of this smoke will not yield fire. That said, many industry insiders are feeling confident about a possible rescheduling by as early as 2019. And this push from the World Health Organization might just be the final straw.
But any cannabis enthusiast worth their salt knows, it takes time -- A LOT OF TIME -- to see political minds change. However, with the United States falling further behind in cannabis science, there may soon be a mad rush to play catch up. If that's the case, it's about time!
If you are an Ohioan suffering from one of these 21 medical conditions you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both CBD and THC products, including dry flower.
Click here to learn more about what Ohio Marijuana Card's state-certified medical marijuana doctors can do for you, or give us a call at 1-866-457-5559 and our friendly support team can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment.