Republican Rep. Introduces Bill to Reschedule Cannabis

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) has introduced legislation to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance under federal law. In a press release, Steube’s office said the measure would allow “researchers to access federal funds to determine its medical value.”   

According to the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act” text, the proposal specifically directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to make the change. 

Under federal law a “Schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; that has no currently accepted medical use; and that is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.” While a Schedule III controlled substance “is a drug, substance, or chemical that has less potential for abuse than a schedule I or II substance; that has a currently accepted medical use; and that has low or moderate risk of dependence if abused.” 

Last October, President Joe Biden (D) said his administration would take steps to consider rescheduling cannabis but, thus far, has not made any changes to the Controlled Substances Act as it relates to the scheduling of cannabis.  

Steube has introduced legislation twice before to enact the change – in 2019 and 2021 – but the measure did not receive a hearing or consideration in the House, which was led by Democrats during that time. The House currently has a Republican majority.  

Last month, Steube also reintroduced the “Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act” which would allow veterans to “receive the appropriate treatment to address their healthcare needs by prohibiting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran benefits due to the use of medical marijuana in states where the substance is legal,” his office said in a press release. 

The rescheduling bill was sent to the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary committees.