Federal Scientists Recommend Easing Restrictions on Marijuana
Since 1970, marijuana has been considered a so-called Schedule I drug, a category that also includes heroin. Schedule I drugs have no medical use and a high potential for abuse, and they carry severe criminal penalties under federal trafficking laws.
I talked about Jay Wexler's Weed Rules: Blazing the Way to a Just & Joyful Marijuana Policy. A long report dropped Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend, which is dated from last summer, which is prime "bury me" placement. It turns out that federal scientists recommended reducing the schedule of marijuana from one (no) to three (allowable by prescription, including testosterone).
It's up to the DEA:
That recommendation is being considered by the D.E.A., which is expected to formally announce its decision within months. The reclassification will be subject to public comment and debate before it is made final.
It's time. After all, "In 38 states, marijuana is legal for medical use; it’s legal for recreational use in two dozen states and territories." And, the federal government has not prosecuted even though they can. Marijuana is not harmless. It is also not heroin.
I think marijuana is protected by the U.S. Constitution. It protects health, has religious and spiritual implications, and is a private matter. Criminalization causes a range of constitutional problems.
The most realistic policy is for the federal government to allow state-by-state regulation. It also should allow normal banking rules. But, while Congress gets around to it, there is an intermediate approach. Let’s go!
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I also read an earlier book by Jay Wexler entitled When God Isn't Green which discusses various religions with ceremonies with environmental problems. For instance, burning paper and dumping statues into the river.
He accepts their right to do so, within reason, though it seems to find that needlessly killing a bunch of animals via counterproductive "mercy release" might be a step too far. The book is interesting if somewhat tedious with an occasional stupid bit of humor. The book might warrant a bit of editing.
And, a worldwide tour of religions needs pictures.