In the USA, a bipartisan organization comprised of former professional athletes advocating effective cannabis legislation says a DEA hearing on rescheduling cannabis has marked an important point.
In May this year, the Department of Justice proposed to reschedule marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III of the CSA. This was based on the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHSS) view that marijuana has a currently accepted medical use and its level of abuse potential, and physical or psychological dependence risk, was lower than a Schedule I classification indicates.
But for change to happen, there’s a formal rulemaking process that needs to be followed after a hearing has occurred. The formal hearing proceedings began on December 2, 2024 at DEA Headquarters in Virginia. The preliminary hearing serves as a procedural day to address legal and logistical issues and the way forward.
While rescheduling is not yet a done deal, the hearing marked the most significant day in cannabis history in the last 50 years in the USA according to Project Champion.
“The rescheduling hearing signifies hope for countless patients suffering from chronic conditions who have long been denied access to a vital form of medicine,” said Project Champion co-founder and Heisman winner Ricky Williams. “This is not just about cannabis; this is about justice, health equity and the right to choose effective treatments.”
The physical demands of professional football while playing for the New Orleans Saints and personal challenges resulted Mr. Williams’ retirement from the NFL. His subsequent personal experiences with cannabis led him to be a vocal advocate for policy reform. It’s worth noting Mr. Williams also has his own cannabusiness.
Project Champion’s other co-founders, former NFL greats Jim McMahon and Kyle Turle, also see the importance of the day. Mr. McMahon said rescheduling was a long overdue, necessary first step and Mr. Turle commented:
“We have long advocated for recognition of cannabis as a safe and effective medicinal option. The time has come for meaningful change that acknowledges the realities of this plant and its benefits to humanity.”
A DEA public comment period on the rescheduling issue that started in May and closed in late July saw a huge response – 43,000 submissions, and the vast majority in favour.
Project Champion believes cannabis is a health and wellness right for all adult consumers/patients, a vital alternative to dangerous opioids, and that patients should have access to safe, convenient, and affordable products.
