HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2012-02-27 Item 3C - Discussion - Support Letter to Reclassify Medical Marijuana/CannabisCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
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Initials
ITEMNO.
Meetino Date Prepared by Mayor's review Council review
02/27/12 CO
3.C.
ITEM INFORMATION
STAFF SPONSOR: MAYOR HAGGERTON
1 ORIGINALAGENDADATF: 2/27/12
Discussion and consensus regarding support-letter to reclassify medical
marijuana /cannabis as a Schedule 2 drug.
C_xi (;ORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance .BidA7vatd .Public.Hearing ❑Other
Altg Date 2127112 llZtg Date Mtg Date Altg Date Alt
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(SPONSOR Council Mayor HR DCD Finance Fire IT P&R Police PI.V
SPONSOR'S Mayor Haggerton is seeking Council consensus at the February 27 Committee of the Whole
Su�ln meeting regarding whether or not the Council is interested in taking a position in support
of Federal reclassification of medical marijuana /cannabis as a Schedule II drug under the
Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Rl?\1I1AX/1 ;D BY COW .Mtg. CA &P Cmte F &S Cmte Transportation Cmte
Utilities Cmte Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: N/A COMMITTEE CHAIR:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONS0R /ALll1V11N. Request of Ma Haggerton
CO M;\ H'I'FI
COST IMPACT FUND SOURCE
EtPI ?NIDITUR1 RI ?`UIR1 ID AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$0 $0 $0
Fund Source:
Cornlnenis:
MTG.DATEI RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
2/27/12 1
MTG. DATE
1 2/27/12
ATTACHMENTS
Informational Memorandum dated February 23, 2012, with attachments
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.m
Citv of Tukwila
City Council
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tukwila City Council
FROM: Jim Haggerton, Mayor
BY: Kimberly Matej
DATE: February 23, 2012
SUBJECT: Medical Marijuana/Cannabis Schedule II Change
REQUEST
Mayor Haggerton is seeking Council consensus regarding whether or not the Council is interested in
taking a position in support of Federal reclassification of medical marijuana/cannabis as a Schedule II
drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
At the Suburban Cities Association's Public Issues Committee (PIC) meeting on February 8, 2012,
John Partridge, Regional Law Safety and Justice Vice Chair, gave a brief presentation on a petition
that Governor Gregoire had filed with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
seeking to have medical marijuana/cannabis reclassified as a Schedule II drug under the CSA.
The PIC requested a full presentation on the proposal at their March 7, 2012, meeting, and voted
unanimously to consider taking a position in support of the proposal. In the meantime, PIC members
have been asked to obtain feedback from their respective jurisdictions on their position on this issue
and report back at the March PIC meeting.
Suburban Cities staff has prepared a memo that provides additional background information on the
proposal. Additional documents in support of the petition and reclassification have been made
available for review as listed in the attachments section of this memo.
The City currently has a moratorium on collective gardens and dispensaries (Ordinance No. 2348)
which will expire on August 15, 2012. The City Attorney is of the opinion that there is no legal
impediment to signing this letter in consideration of this moratorium.
ATTACHMENTS
Memo from SCA providing additional background information, dated February 9, 2012
Petition from Governors Gregoire and Chaffee in support of reclassifying cannabis for medical
use from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule II (pages 44 -96 of Exhibit B of the
Petition have not been included as they are strictly references. These pages are available on
request), dated November 30, 2011.
Letter from legislators in support of reclassification of Senate Joint Memorial 8017, dated January
26, 2012
Letter from mayors in support of reclassification (AWC), dated January 26, 2012.
Draft SCA resolution in support of reclassification
►E
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MEMO
TO: Suburban Cities Association Public Issues Committee (PIC) Members
SCA Board of Directors
FROM: Deanna Dawson
Executive Director, Suburban Cities Association (SCA)
RE: Proposal to Reclassify Marijuana/Cannabis as a Schedule II Drug
DATE: February 9, 2012
At the February 8, 2012 Public Issues Committee (PIC) Meeting, the PIC heard a brief
presentation on a petition that Governor Gregoire had filed with the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking to have marijuana reclassified as a Schedule
II drug under the Controlled Substances ACT (CSA). The PIC asked to have a full
presentation on the proposal at the March 2012 PIC meeting, and voted unanimously to
consider taking a position in support of the proposal. The purpose of this memo is to give
PIC members additional background on the proposal, so that they can get feedback from
their councils and staff prior to the March 7, 2012 PIC meeting.
Background:
As Regional Law Safety and Justice (RLSJ) Vice Chair John Partridge of Auburn pointed
out at the February PIC meeting, possession of marijuana/cannabis is illegal.
Marijuana/cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that,
according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and therefore may not be
prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use.
In 1998, the voters in Washington State approved Initiative 692. The stated purpose of
the Initiative was to permit the use of marijuana for patients who had debilitating or
terminal illnesses. Initiative 692 was subsequently codified as RCW 69.51A. The
Initiative did not strictly speaking "legalize" marijuana/cannabis, but rather created an
affirmative defense, and protection from arrest and prosecution, for qualified patients and
designated caregivers under Washington State law.
In 2011, the Legislature passed E2SSB 5073. The intent of the bill was to establish a
regulatory system for producing, processing, and dispensing marijuana /cannabis for
ON
medical use. The bill required the State to authorize and license commercial businesses
that produce, process or dispense marijuana /cannabis, and to develop a registration
system for said producers, processers, and dispensers.
In 2011, Governor Gregoire sought guidance from our state's United States Attorneys,
Mike Ormsby and Jenny Durkan. In a letter in response to the Governor, they have
indicated that the federal government would prosecute "vigorously against individuals
and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity
involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted under state law."
Citing concerns that state workers could be prosecuted under federal law, Governor
Gregoire vetoed these portions of E2SSB 5073. The Governor did not veto portions of
the bill relating to "collective gardens." However, she did veto the "definitions" section
of the bill.
The resulting regulatory scheme has led to much confusion for cities. The legality of
marijuana dispensaries is in under Washington State law. A handful of cities
adopted zoning regulations relating to medical marijuana collective gardens, while many
cities have passed zoning moratoria on dispensaries and/or collective gardens. The result
is a patchwork of ordinances and regulations across the state, and King County.
SB 6265, currently pending before the legislature, seeks to clarify some of the ambiguity
and to put in place a statewide regulatory scheme. But possession of marijuana/cannabis
is still unlawful under federal law. Federal law effectively "trumps" state law, and no
action by the Washington State Legislature would (or could) make marijuana use lawful
under federal law.
The Governor's Petition
On November 30, 2011, Governor Gregoire and Governor Lincoln Chafee (I -RI) filed a
petition with the DEA seeking to have marijuana/cannabis reclassified as a Schedule II
drug, which would allow it to be prescribed by doctors and filled by pharmacists. A copy
of the petition is attached to this memo.
As noted above, marijuana/cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled
substance under the CSA, which means that, according to the DEA, it has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and therefore may not be
prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use. In contrast, drugs listed in
Schedules II -V have some accepted medical use and may be prescribed, administered, or
dispensed for medical use, with controls. No prescriptions may be written for Schedule I
substances.
A comparison of the controlled substances classified as Schedule I versus Schedule II is
revealing. While marijuana/cannabis is classified as a Schedule I, many other drugs with
a high potential for abuse are designated as Schedule II, including opium, methadone,
methamphetamine, oxycodone, and cocaine.
2
I,
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed marijuana's classification
since 2006. In the meantime, there has been much new research and analysis of
marijuana /cannabis. The petition filed by Governors Gregoire and Chafee is backed by a
substantive science -based report that has been peer reviewed and cites more than 700
independent references, many of which are new science since 2006. Both the Washington
State Medical Association and the Washington State Pharmacy support reclassification of
marijuana /cannabis. And the American Medical Association (AMA) recently reversed its
earlier position, and now supports investigation and clinical research of
marijuana /cannabis for medicinal use.
If marijuana /cannabis were reclassified as a Schedule II drug, it could be prescribed and
dispensed like any other drug. The documents supporting the Governor's petition note
that with modern DNA analysis, it is relatively simple to determine the beneficial
compounds contained in marijuana/cannabis. A compounding pharmacist could quantify
the appropriate level of cannabinoids, and use an appropriate cannabis blend to create a
customized medication for a patient. This is known as the "pharmacy model."
The appeal of this model is that it the pharmacy system in the United States is already
heavily regulated, and is well suited for providing controlled access to drugs for
legitimate medical use. In addition, pharmacies provide safe, reliable access to
medication to patients in need. This model would provide reasonable access to
medication, while providing a relatively high level of government oversight.
More details on this proposal to reclassify cannabis /marijuana are contained in
attachments to the Governor's petition, and we will provide an in -depth presentation on
the proposal at the PIC meeting on March 7, 2012.
Support for the Proposal to Reclassify Cannabis
On January 26, 2012, a bipartisan coalition of 42 Washington legislators signed a letter to
the DEA supporting the Governor's petition. A copy of that letter is attached to this
memo. Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers from King County signed on to the
letter.
Senator Jeanne Kohl- Welles has also introduced Senate Joint Memorial 8017 making the
same request to reclassify medical marijuana. A copy of Senate Joint Memorial 8017 is
attached to this memo.
At the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Legislative Action Conference on
January 25, 2012, Governor Gregoire asked cities to sign on in support of her proposal to
reclassify marijuana/cannabis. In a letter dated January 26, 2012, several mayors
(including the mayors of four King County cities) urged the DEA to immediately initiate
rulemaking proceedings to reclassify medical cannabis as a Schedule II drug. A copy of
that letter is attached to this memo.
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45
At the March 7, 2012, the PIC may consider recommending that SCA take a similar
position in support of reclassification. Attached to this memo is a draft resolution in
support of reclassification for the PIC's consideration. Also attached is a draft letter on
behalf of Suburban Cities Association to DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart in
support of reclassification.
Conclusion
The current law in Washington State with regards to medical marijuana has created
public safety and land use challenges for cities. Even if new legislation is passed in this
legislative session, the fact remains that marijuana possession is illegal under federal law.
At the same time, the voters of the State of Washington have expressed a clear intent to
provide for access to marijuana for medicinal purposes for patients with terminal or
debilitating conditions. Until and unless the conflict between state and federal law is
resolved, cities will continue to face these challenges.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to
contact SCA Executive Director Deanna Dawson at (206) 433 -7170 or
Deanna@suburbancities.org.
Attachments:
November 30, 2011 Petition from Governors Gregoire and Chaffee in support of
reclassifying cannabis for medical use from a Schedule I controlled substance to a
Schedule II (with attachments)
January 26, 2012 letter from legislators in support of reclassification
of Senate Joint Memorial 8017
January 26, 2012 letter from mayors in support of reclassification
Draft SCA resolution in support of reclassification
Draft SCA letter to DEA Administrator Leonhart in support of reclassification
4
M
teo\1
OFFICES OF THE GOVERNORS
LINCOLN D. CHAFES CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE
RHODE ISLAND WASHINGTON
November 30, 2011
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
Attn: Administrator
8701 Morrissette Drive
Springfield, VA 22152
Subject: Rulemaking petition to reclassify cannabis for medical use from a
Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule II
Dear Administrator Leonhart:
Pursuant to Section 1308.43 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), we hereby
petition to initiate proceedings for the issuance of an amendment of a rule or regulation pursuant to
Section 201 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Specifically, we petition for the
reclassification of medical cannabis (also known as marijuana) from Schedule I to Schedule II of
the CSA.
Attached hereto and constituting a part of this petition are the following as required by the CSA and
the CFR:
Exhibit A The proposed rule. We seek the amendment of an existing rule, so pursuant to
21 C.F.R. 1308.43(6), we have included the existing rule together with a reference to the
section in the CFR where it appears, along with our proposed amendment for your
consideration.
Exhibit B A statement of the grounds upon which we rely for the issuance of an
amendment of the rule. As required, the grounds we rely on include a reasonably concise
statement of the facts, including a summary of relevant medical or scientific evidence in the
form of an eight factor analysis that the CSA specifies a petitioner must address (21 U.S.C.
§811(c)). The Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will consider these factors in a
report to you for purposes of informing your final decision. The factors include: (1) actual
and potential for abuse; (2) pharmacology; (3) other current scientific knowledge; (4) history
and current pattern of abuse; (5) scope, duration and significance of abuse; (6) public health
risk; (7) psychic or physiological dependence liability; and (8) whether it is an immediate
precursor of a controlled substance.
47
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
November 30, 2011
Page 2
The attached statement of grounds about the scientific and medical record, considering these
eight factors, supports recognition of the accepted medical use of cannabis in the United
States. Accordingly, we request you to open rulemaking to reschedule cannabis for medical
purposes under the CSA from a Schedule I to a Schedule II controlled substance.
Background:
We are concerned that patients with serious medical conditions who could benefit from medical use
of cannabis do not have a safe and consistent source of the drug. As you know, sixteen states and
the District of Columbia have decriminalized cannabis for limited medical purposes. Each of these
jurisdictions is struggling with managing safe access to medical cannabis for patients with serious
medical conditions. Our work with the federal agencies has not resolved the matter. Federal
enforcement policies acknowledge the "compassionate use" for seriously ill patients, but the
policies do not provide means for safe access of medical cannabis for patients in need.
The divergence in state and federal law creates a situation where there is no regulated and safe
system to supply legitimate patients who may need medical cannabis. State and local governments
cannot adopt a regulatory framework to ensure a safe supply is available for and limited to
legitimate medical use without putting their employees at risk of violating federal law. As some
states seek to increase regulation, United States Attorneys have warned that the federal government
would prosecute "vigorously against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful
manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted
under state law." Yet in the absence of state or local regulatory systems, there exists wide spread
confusion and proliferation of unregulated activities.
More to the point, it is clear that the long- standing classification of medical use of cannabis in the
United States as an illegal Schedule I substance is fundamentally wrong and should be changed.
The federal government could quickly solve the issue if it reclassified cannabis for medical use
from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule II drug. Most recently the DEA, as noted in your letter dated
June 21, 2011 (published July 8, 2011 in the Federal Register), denied a 2002 petition to initiate
proceedings to reschedule marijuana based on an outdated 2006 HHS /FDA scientific review. With
respect to marijuana, the 2006 HHS /FDA review found: (1) the medical substance has a high
potential for abuse; (2) has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
(3) lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
Upon review of the enclosed petition, we believe you will find that the mounting evidence refutes
the 2006 review and shows that: (1) cannabis for medical purposes has a relatively low potential for
abuse, especially in comparison with other Schedule II drugs; (2) the medical community has
concluded that cannabis has accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and (3)
cannabis has accepted safety for use under medical supervision and pharmacy based access. It is
now the DEA's responsibility to make appropriate decisions and update the scheduling of drugs
based on the changing scientific evidence and the opinion of the medical community. We submit
that evidence herein.
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
November 30, 2011
Page 3
The American medical community supports rescheduling, and there are safe pharmacy -based
methods to dispense medical cannabis:
The medical community supports rescheduling medical cannabis. In 2009, the American Medical
Association (AMA) reversed its earlier position that supported Schedule I classification of cannabis.
The AMA now supports investigation and clinical research of cannabis for medicinal use, and urged
the federal government to reassess the Schedule I classification. The American College of
Physicians recently expressed similar support. A great many other groups also support
rescheduling.
The National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine perhaps states it best: "Marijuana is not,
to be sure, a completely benign substance. It is a powerful drug that affects the body and mind in a
variety of ways. However, except for the damage caused by smoking [which this petition clearly
describes non smoking methods for medical use], its adverse effects resemble those of many
approved medications." [Italics added]
Categorizing medical cannabis as a Schedule 11 drug would also allow pharmacy dispensing. It
requires federal changes to allow pharmacy dispensing and regulated manufacturing and
distribution, otherwise pharmacies and pharmacists put their DEA license numbers at risk. There
are acceptable methods to safely prescribe and dispense medical cannabis. A pharmacy based
method is an existing and effective model that could provide safe and reliable access for patients in
need, just like it provides for other controlled substances. The well regulated pharmacy system is
perfectly suited to providing controlled access to drugs for legitimate medical use.
Recent scientific development like affordable DNA analysis also supports the pharmacy model.
With modern DNA analysis, it is easy to obtain an accurate characterization of the plant's beneficial
compound. At the pharmacy level, with current technology readily available today, a compounding
pharmacist could easily and inexpensively quantify the levels of cannabinoids, and then use the
appropriate cannabis blend to create a customized medication for an individual patient.
Compounding is now increasingly offered by community pharmacies. Moreover, studies have
shown that pharmacists providing compounding reported increased quality of pharmaceuticals and
improved collaboration between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. This paradigm would allow
safe access to a medicine with proven efficacy and acceptable safety, in a manner that does not
endanger the patient and allows for reasonable governmental oversight. It is important to note that
medical cannabis can be vaporized, not smoked. Additionally cannabis can be ingested orally, or
applied topically in a liniment. These issues are fully addressed in Exhibit B.
Conclusion:
A public rulemaking process would allow all interested parties to contribute their comments and
expertise, and provide a full record for decision. These interested parties include patients and
medical professionals and the sixteen states and the District of Columbia, or nearly one -third of the
nation's population, that have decriminalized limited possession and use of cannabis for serious
medical conditions, and at least ten other states are considering similar measures.
29
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
November 30, 2011
Page 4
While not required by the law, we urge you to hold public hearings on these issues even before
making your decision on whether to initiate formal rulemaking proceedings. You will find that
physicians and scientists, mayors and county executives, sheriffs and prosecutors, and the majority
of Americans based on reliable national polling, believe rescheduling medical cannabis for
serious illnesses is appropriate.
Medical cannabis does have a potential for abuse, but far less so than other Schedule H substances
like opiates. There are well researched accepted medical uses; there are ways to safely administer
the drug; and, there are effective non smoking methods like vaporization, oral ingestion or topical
application. The exhaustive medical and scientific report attached as Exhibit B, incorporating the
necessary eight factors, shows rescheduling cannabis for medical purposes is appropriate.
Current federal rules preclude the adoption of reasonable and workable frameworks for providing
access to patients while maintaining the ability of law enforcement agencies to address
non medical /illegal distribution and use of cannabis. The situation has become untenable for our
states and others. The solution lies with the federal government. We urge the DEA to initiate
rulemaking proceedings to reclassify medical cannabis as a Schedule H drug so qualifying patients
who follow state law may obtain the medication they need through the traditional and safe method
of physician prescribing and pharmacy dispensing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lincoln D. Chafee
Governor of Rhode Island
Enclosures:
Exhibit A Proposed Rule
Exhibit B Statement of Grounds
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor of Washington
cc: The Honorable Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Honorable Margaret Hamburg, M.D., FDA Commissioner
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Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
November 30, 2011
Page 5
Please send all notices regarding this petition to:
Jason T. McGill, Executive Policy Advisor, Health Care
Governor's Executive Policy Office
PO Box 43113
Olympia, WA 98504 -3113
J ason.McGill(a, izov.wa. 2ov
Phone: (360) 902 -0448
Fax: (360) 586 -8380
Submitted in quintuplicate pursuant to 21 C.F.R. 1308.43
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Exhibit A: Proposed Rule
We propose the following: that the rule placing "marihuana" in Schedule I [21 CFR
1308.1 l (d)(23) and 21 CFR 1308.1 l (d)(31)] is repealed and placed as a Schedule II drug. This
is not a petition for the removal of marijuana from scheduling under the Controlled Substances
Act (CSA), but a petition to have marijuana and related items removed from Schedule I and
rescheduled as "medical cannabis" in Schedule II, and made on the basis of the scientific and
medical evaluation required pursuant to the CSA, see Exhibit B, Statement of Grounds (21 USC
811(c)).
For the purposes of this petition, and in reference to the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) listing of Schedule I drugs, this will include all tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), which are
naturally contained in a plant of the genus Cannabis (cannabis plant), as well as synthetic
equivalents of the substances contained in the cannabis plant, or in the resinous extractives of
such plant, and /or synthetic substances (not otherwise already classified as Schedule II or 111),
derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity to
those substances contained in the plant, such as the following:
-I cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers;
-6 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers; and
-3,4 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers.
Given that nomenclature of these substances is not internationally standardized, compounds of
these structures, regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions covered are included.
The following is the proposed rule:
REMOVE: 21 CFR 1308.11(d) (23) and (31) and others sections that may relate to medical
cannabis use:
"(d) Hallucinogenic substances....:
6 t«..,s tot .,1, ....aimiabiae a nd their e ptie l or-
53
plant),
i th
th f 11 e .,,i n g!
een tai n ed plant su eh as
6 t«..,s tot .,1, ....aimiabiae a nd their e ptie l or-
53
tor
t
Z L...,l, its ,,ptie.,1
n
RESCHEDULED TO: 21 CFR 1308.12 Schedule II:
"(a) Schedule II shall consist of the drugs and other substances, by whatever official
name, common or usual name, chemical name, or brand name designated, listed in this
section. Each drug or substance has been assigned the Controlled Substances Code
Number set forth opposite it.
(f) Hallucinogenic substances.
(1)
(2) Cannabis (also known as Marihuana, including Tetrahydrocannabinols) for medicinal
purposes only
OTHER ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
We would urge appropriate age and condition limitation.
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Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
Prepared by Gregory T. Carter, MD, MS,' Mitchell Earleywine, PhD," and Jason T. McGill, JD
Table of Contents:
STATEMENT OF GROUNDS (21 USC 811( c)) ..............................3
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF EIGHT FACTOR ANALYSIS ..............................4
1. Actual and potential for abuse 5
2. Pharmacology 5
3. Other current scientific knowledge 5
4. History and current pattern of abuse 5
5. Scope, duration and significance of abuse 5
6. Public health risk 5
7. Psychic or physiological dependence liability 5
8. If an immediate precursor of a controlled substance 5
CANNABIS SHOULD BE RESCHEDULED TO SCHEDULE II BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEET
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SCHEDULE I (21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1)): 5
1. Cannabis does not have a high potential for abuse compared with other Schedule II drugs; 5
2. Cannabis is currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the United States; and 5
3. Evidence is clear of accepted safety for use of cannabis under medical supervision 5
ORGANIZATIONOF REPORT: 5
Due to subject matter flow, the organization of the report discusses the necessary factors in this order:
Factors two (Pharmacology), three (Other current scientific knowledge), and eight (If an immediate
precursor), and then factors one (Actual and potential for abuse), four (History and current pattern
of abuse), five (Scope, duration and significance of abuse), seven (Psychic or physiological
dependence liability) and six (Public health risk) 5
1. PHARMACOLOGY (FACTOR TWO) 6
Meeting the five- factor criteria for "currently accepted medical use": 6
A. The chemistry of cannabis is known and reproducible 6
B. Medical use of cannabis is considered safe 7
i. The safety of cannabis: cannabis has never caused a lethal overdose (LD50 standard) 9
ii. Cannabis is safer than current, legal Schedule II opiate drugs 9
iii. History of cannabis evidences safety 10
iv. The side effects of cannabis are milder than the other Schedule II drugs .............................10
C. There are adequate and well controlled studies proving the medical efficacy of cannabis ..............10
i. Review of the current scientific evidence proves the medical efficacy of cannabis ........................10
ii. Medicinal dosing paradigms are safe and effective and alternatives to smoking
arerecommended I 1
iii. Many known cannabinoids (not including THC) have therapeutic value with little or no
cognitive or psychoactive side effects; dronabinol (Marinol) is not an appropriate substitute for
cannabis due to its 100 percent THC and lacking therapeutic cannabinoids .............................12
D. Cannabis has been accepted by the medical community as meeting the current, modern accepted
standards for what constitutes medicine .............................13
E. The scientific evidence is widely available .............................14
i. Scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis is readily available directly from
the National Library of Medicine 14
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Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
ii. Table One compares the number of Medline citations for medical marijuana compared to other
commonly prescribed opioid medications (as of 11/27/2011; 12:00 PST):
15
iii. With respect to a consensus of medical opinion, currently all of the following health
organizations have issued statements in favor of medical cannabis .............................16
2. OTHER CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE (FACTOR THREE) .............................18
3. CANNABIS IS NOT AN IMMEDIATE PRECURSOR TO A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
(FACTOR EIGHT) .............................19
4. ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE (FACTOR ONE) .............................19
A Background: definitions .............................19
B. Background: the disease model of addiction
20
C. Cannabis use indicates a lower likelihood of addiction and abuse potential as compared
to other substances (Table 2):
22
5. PSYCHIC OR PHYSIOLOGIC DEPENDENCE LIABILITY (FACTOR SEVEN)
23
A. Cannabis has low relative dependence risk and does not reach the severity associated
withother drugs
23
B. Conclusion: low risk of dependence does not reach the severity necessary to keep cannabis
classified as a Schedule I substance
25
6. HISTORY AND CURRENT PATTERN OF ABUSE (FACTOR FOUR)
26
A. Cannabis rates of dependence or abuse are remarkably low in comparison with other drugs
26
B. Cannabis dependence causes much less severe negative consequences than other
ScheduleII drugs
27
7. SCOPE, DURATION, AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ABUSE (FACTOR FIVE)
27
A. The prevalence and significance of potential abuse are limited for cannabis, especially
in relation to other Schedule II substances
28
B Conclusions
29
8. PUBLIC HEALTH RISK (FACTOR SIX)
30
A. Amotivational syndrome generally is not a dangerous side effect, and data shows
little correlation with cannabis use
30
i. Laboratory performance does not indicate amotivational syndrome in cannabis users
31
ii. Correlations with education and work do not support amotivational syndrome
incannabis users
33
iii. Summary for amotivational syndrome
35
B. Cannabis use has risks similar to other legal Schedule II substances
35
i Overview
35
ii Epidemiological studies .............................36
iii. Laboratory experiments .............................36
C. Cannabis use does not increase aggression
38
i Overview
38
ii Historical precedent
39
iii Crime .............................39
iv Laboratory research
40
V. Conclusion: cannabis alone does not cause aggression .............................40
D. Conclusions on public health factor
41
CONCLUSION AND POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTIONS .............................42
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................. .............................44
2
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Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
STATEMENT OF GROUNDS (21 USC 811(c)):
To remove all forms of cannabinoid medicines that are currently in Schedule I
classification by the Federal United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) laws, as
determined by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), be rescheduled as "medical cannabis" in
Schedule 11, as necessitated and made on the basis of the scientific and medical evaluation
required by the CSA and in accordance with existing law. For the purposes of this petition, and
in reference to the DEA listing of Schedule I drugs, this will include all tetrahydrocannabinols
(THC), which are naturally contained in a plant of the genus Cannabis (cannabis plant), as well
as synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the cannabis plant, or in the resinous
extractives of such plant, and/or synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar
chemical structure and pharmacological activity to those substances contained in the plant, such
as the following:
-1 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers;
-6 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers; and
-3,4 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers.
Given that nomenclature of these substances is not internationally standardized, compounds of
these structures, regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions covered are included.
For the remainder of this document, the terms cannabis and marijuana (also spelled "marihuana
will be used interchangeably to refer to any preparation of the cannabis plant intended for
medicinal purposes. There are at least three species of the cannabis genus, those being cannabis
sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis, any of which may be used for medicinal
purposes.
3
57
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF EIGHT FACTOR ANALYSIS
Cannabis is now categorized (scheduled) by the DEA, as determined by the CSA, as a
Schedule I drug. Schedule I is a category of drugs not considered legitimate for medical use
because of limited utility and a high potential for dependence. Sharing this schedule with
cannabis are heroin, lysergic acid, and methamphetamine. Schedule II is a category of drugs
considered to have a strong potential for abuse or addiction but that also have legitimate medical
use. Included here are opium, morphine, cocaine, and oxycodone. Schedule III drugs are felt to
have even less abuse or addiction potential than Schedule I or II drugs and have a beneficial
medical use. Included here are dronabinol, hydrocodone, amphetamine -based stimulants, and
short- acting barbiturates. Schedule IV and V drugs are felt to have even less risks. Schedule IV
drugs include benzodiazepines, while schedule V drugs include antidiarrheals and antitussives
that contain opioid derivatives. While the DEA considers cannabis a schedule I drug, it classifies
dronabinol (Marinol) as schedule 111. Dronabinol is 100 percent THC and is potentially very
psychoactive. Natural cannabis typically would be no more than 15 percent THC by weight.
Thus it is inconsistent that cannabis, with 15 percent THC, remains a Schedule I drug, while
dronabinol, at 100 percent THC, is schedule III.
Currently cannabinoid medicines fall into three categories: single molecule
pharmaceuticals, cannabis -based liquid extracts, and phytocannabinoid -dense botanicals. It is
this last category which is the primary target of this petition. The first category includes United
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved synthetic or semisynthetic single
molecule cannabinoid pharmaceuticals available by prescription. Currently, these are dronabinol,
a Schedule III drug and nabilone, a Schedule 11 drug. Though both are also used off label,
dronabinol, a )trans- 9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomer is found in natural cannabis and has
been approved for two uses since 1985 and 1992 respectively: the treatment of nausea and
vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately
to conventional antiemetic treatments and the treatment of anorexia associated with weight loss
in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).(179, 369) Nabilone, a synthetic
molecule shaped similarly to THC, has also been approved since 1985 for use in the treatment of
nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. (3 70, 473)
The second category of cannabinoid medicines being used in the United States includes a
line of cannabis -based medicinal extracts developed by several companies. The industry leader
is GW Pharmaceuticals, a United Kingdom -based biopharmaceutical company whose lead
product is currently undergoing FDA approved, multisite clinical trials for the treatment of
opioid- refractory cancer pain after receiving prior approval for Phase III clinical trials in the
United States.(601) This botanical drug extract which goes by the nonproprietary name
nabiximols has already secured approval in Canada for use in the treatment of central
4
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis (in 2005) and in the treatment of intractable cancer pain (in
2007).(601)
This report presents scientific research organized by sections containing research reviews
on the following eight factors required by the CSA that determine control of a drug or substance
or its removal from schedules (21 USC 811(c)):
1. Actual and potential for abuse
2. Pharmacology'
3. Other current scientific knowledge
4. History and current pattern of abuse
5. Scope, duration and significance of abuse
6. Public health risk
7. Psychic or physiological dependence liability
8. If an immediate precursor of a controlled substance
CANNABIS SHOULD BE RESCHEDULED TO SCHEDULE II BECAUSE IT DOES
NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SCHEDULE I (21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1)):
Past DEA decisions not to reclassify cannabis have relied upon 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1).
Therefore, this report provides evidence to prove that cannabis fails to meet the three criteria for
placing a substance in Schedule I of the CSA under 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1) because:
1. Cannabis does not have a high potential for abuse compared with other Schedule II
drugs;
2. Cannabis is currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the United States; and
3. Evidence is clear of accepted safety for use of cannabis under medical supervision.
ORGANIZATION OF REPORT:
Due to subject matter flow, the organization of the report discusses the necessary factors
in this order: Factors two (Pharmacology), three (Other current scientific knowledge), and eight
(If an immediate precursor), and then factors one (Actual and potential for abuse), four (History
and current pattern of abuse), five (Scope, duration and significance of abuse), seven (Psychic or
physiological dependence liability) and six (Public health risk).
This includes a sub factor analysis regarding "currently accepted medical use." A drug has a "currently accepted
medical use" if all of the following five elements have been satisfied:
A. The drug's chemistry is known and reproducible
B. There are adequate safety studies
C. There are adequate and well controlled studies proving efficacy
D. The drug is accepted by qualified experts; and
E. The scientific evidence is widely available.
59
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
1. PHARMACOLOGY (FACTOR TWO)
The Secretary must consider the scientific evidence of the pharmacological effects of
cannabis. There are abundant scientific data available on the neurochemistry, toxicology, and
pharmacology of cannabis. This section and others includes a scientific evaluation of cannabis'
neurochemistry, pharmacology, and human and animal behavioral, central nervous system,
cognitive, cardiovascular, autonomic, endocrinological, and immunological system effects. The
overview presented below relies upon the most current research literature on cannabinoids.
In describing the pharmacological effects of cannabis, this section also addresses the five
elements of currently accepted medical use. Per the DEA, a drug has a "currently accepted
medical use" if all of the following five elements have been satisfied(25):
A. The drug's chemistry is known and reproducible;
B. There are adequate safety studies;
C. There are adequate and well controlled studies proving efficacy;
D. The drug is accepted by qualified experts; and
E. The scientific evidence is widely available.
These issues will now be addressed in full, as means to substantiate the argument that cannabis
should be re- scheduled to schedule II.
Meeting the five- factor criteria for "currently accepted medical use
A. The chemistry of cannabis is known and reproducible
The chemistry of cannabis is remarkably well -known and highly reproducible compared
to other legal drugs. Cannabis is a complex plant, with several subtypes of cannabis, each
containing over 400 chemicals .(10,16,18,102,615,616) Approximately 60 are chemically
classified as cannabinoids.(19) Cannabinoids, consisting of alkylresorcinol and monoterpene
groups, are unique secondary metabolites that are found only in Cannabis. The cannabinoids are
21 carbon terpenes, biosynthesized predominantly via a recently discovered deoxyxylulose
phosphate pathway.(349) The cannabinoids are lipophilic and not soluble in water. Among the
most psychoactive of the cannabinoids is delta -9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active
ingredient in dronabinol.(19) Other major cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD) and
cannabinol (CBN), both of which may modify the pharmacology of THC or have distinct effects
of their own.(591) CBD is not psychoactive and has significant anticonvulsant, sedative, and
other pharmacological activity likely to interact with THC.(16) In mice, pretreatment with CBD
increased brain levels of THC nearly threefold and there is strong evidence that cannabinoids can
increase the brain concentrations and pharmacological actions of other drugs.(562)
Five endogenous cannabinoids are known, of which anandamide (EAE), 2-
arachidonylglycerol (2 AG), and 2- archidonyl glyceryl ether are the best characterized. There is
evidence that besides the two cannabinoid receptor subtypes that have been cloned, additional
cannabinoid receptor subtypes and vanilloid receptors are involved in the complex physiological
C�
:1
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
functions of the cannabinoid system that include motor coordination, memory procession,
control of appetite, pain modulation and neuroprotection.(732) Evidence suggests that the
physiological roles of these endocannabinoids function as diffusible and short lived intercellular
messengers that modulate synaptic transmission. Recent studies have provided strong
experimental evidence that endogenous cannabinoids mediate signals retrogradely from
depolarized postsynaptic neurons to presynaptic terminals to suppress subsequent
neurotransmitter release, driving the synapse into an altered state.(562) In hippocampal neurons,
depolarization of postsynaptic neurons and resultant elevation of calcium lead to transient
suppression of inhibitory transmitter release. Depolarized hippocampal neurons rapidly release
both AEA and 2 AG in a Ca2+ dependent manner. In the hippocampus, cannabinoid receptors
are expressed mainly by GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) mediated inhibitory interneurons.
Synthetic cannabinoid agonists depress GABA release from hippocampal slices.(562) However,
in cerebellar Purkinje cells, depolarization induced elevation of calcium causes transient
suppression of excitatory transmitter release depolarization induced suppression of
excitation. (405) Thus endogenous cannabinoids released by depolarized hippocampal neurons
may function to down regulate GABA release.(405) Further, signaling by the endocannabinoid
system appears to represent a mechanism by which neurons can communicate backwards across
synapses to modulate their inputs.
There are two known cannabinoid receptor subtypes. Subtype 1 (CBI) is expressed
primarily in the brain whereas subtype 2 (C132) is expressed primarily in the periphery. (3 5 7,5 43)
Cannabinoid receptors constitute a major family of G protein coupled, 7 -helix transmembrane
nucleotides, similar to the receptors of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine.(165,530) Activation of protein kinases is responsible for some of the cellular
responses elicited by the CBI cannabinoid receptor.(590)
The pharmacological properties have been extensively studied. More recently,
biosynthetic pathways of many of the major cannabinoids have been successfully established.
(212,629) Several biosynthetic enzymes including geranylpyrophosphate: olivetolate
geranyltransferase, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
synthase and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase have been purified from young rapidly
expanding leaves of cannabis sativa. In addition, molecular cloning, characterization and
localization of THCA synthase have been recently reported.(629) THCA and cannabigerolic
acid (CBGA), its substrate, were shown to be apoptosis- inducing agents that might play a role in
plant defense. Transgenic tobacco hairy roots expressing THCA synthase can produce THCA
upon feeding of CBGA.
These results establish the basic and advanced chemistry of cannabis and in the context of
human pharmacology to prove that the chemistry of cannabis is known and reproducible. The
next sections also discuss related issues, so some cross reference is implicit and to a certain
degree repetitive as necessary to separately address each factor.
B. Medical use of cannabis is considered safe
The contemporary era of clinical research with cannabis began when the first FDA
approved clinical study of cannabis use in a patient population in 15 years enrolled its first
61
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
subject.(4,415) Overall, the 33 completed and published American controlled clinical trials with
cannabis have studied its safety, routes of administration, and use in comparison with placebos,
standard drugs, and in some cases dronabinol, in: appetite stimulation in healthy volunteers, the
treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) neuropathy and other types of chronic and
neuropathic pain, both pathological and experimentally induced, spasticity in multiple sclerosis,
weight loss in wasting syndromes, intraocular pressure in glaucoma, dyspnea in asthma, both
pathological and experimentally induced, and emesis, both secondary to cancer chemotherapy
and experimentally induced. There has been a long -term, prospective, federally funded cannabis
clinical study jointly administered by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and FDA. This
study has been running for over 30 years without any demonstrable adverse outcomes related to
chronic medicinal cannabis use.(594) According to an explanation from the United States Public
Health Service, this program was closed to new enrollees in 1992 because the government
believed the program was undermining the illegal status of the substance.(556)
Wang, et al. performed a systematic review of safety studies of medical cannabinoids
published over the past 40 years to create an evidence base for cannabis- related adverse events
and to facilitate future cannabis research initiatives. Ultimately 23 randomized controlled trials
and eight observational studies of medical cannabis were used in the analysis. In the 23
randomized controlled trials, the median duration of cannabinoid exposure was two weeks (range
eight hours to 12 months). Of all the adverse events reported, 97 percent were considered "not
serious," with the most commonly reported "dizziness." The remaining three percent that were
considered serious involved relapse of multiple sclerosis, vomiting, and urinary tract
infection.(714) There has never been a reported death.
The recent discovery of an endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system with
specific receptors and ligands has increased our understanding of the actions of cannabis in terms
of both safety and efficacy. The endocannabinoid system, present throughout the human body,
helps regulate the function of major systems in the body, making it an integral part of the central
homeostatic modulatory system —the check and balance molecular signaling network that keeps
the human body healthy. The discovery and elucidation of the endogenous cannabinoid
signaling system with widespread cannabinoid receptors and ligands in human brain and
peripheral tissues, and its known involvement in normal human physiology, specifically in the
regulation of movement, pain, appetite, memory, immunity, mood, blood pressure, bone density,
reproduction, and inflammation, among other actions, has led to the progression of our
understanding of the therapeutic actions of cannabinoid botanical medicines from folklore to
valid science. The endocannabinoid system represents a previously unrecognized ubiquitous
network in the nervous system. There is a dense receptor concentration in the cerebellum, basal
ganglia, and hippocampus, accounting for the effects on motor tone, coordination and mood
state. (14,15,103,104,714)
There are very few cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem, which may account for the
remarkably low toxicity. Recently MRI studies investigated brain morphology related to current
and lifetime degree of cannabis use in long term, heavy cannabis users without intensive use of
other illicit drugs. Voxel -based morphometry was used to assess differences in regional grey and
white matter volume between 33 heavy cannabis users and 42 matched controls.(148) Grey and
white matter volume analyses showed that regional grey matter volume in the anterior
M
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
cerebellum was actually larger in heavy cannabis users.(148) Gray matter is the cortex of the
brain which contains nerve cell bodies and appears gray in color. White matter is the part of the
brain that contains myelinated nerve fibers. It is called white matter because the color of myelin
appears white. In essence, gray matter is the functional brain tissue, and white matter is the
supporting structure. Volume changes appeared to be focused in the orbitofrontal cortex,
anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, in addition to the cerebellum. These
are all regions known to be high in CBlreceptor concentrations. No associations were found
between white matter volume and measures of cannabis use or dependence. However, the
clinical implications of this are not known. There are very few studies done examining cannabis
abuse in relation to brain structure and the results have been variable and inconsistent. This
likely reflects differences in methodology of imaging, as well as the degree of cannabis abuse,
and the concomitant use of other substances.
i. The safety of cannabis: cannabis has never caused a lethal overdose
(LD50 standard)
There has never been a lethal overdose of marijuana reported in humans. (16,509) In
clinical pharmacology, a lethal dose (LD) 50 is the most commonly used indicator for the
toxicity of a drug. The LD50 is the dose at which 50 percent of subjects who ingest this drug
will die. There is no known LD50 for any form of cannabis or any cannabinoid based
medicine.(105) In its 4,000+ years of documented use, there is no report of death from overdose
with cannabis. (31,106,107) If a very large dose of cannabis is consumed "over dose which
typically occurs via oral ingestion of a concentrated preparation of cannabis flowers' resin (e.g.,
in the form of an alcohol tincture or lipophillic extract), agitation and confusion, progressing to
sedation, is generally the result.(443) This is time limited and disappears entirely once the
cannabis and its psychoactive components are fully metabolized and excreted. This usually
occurs within three -to -four hours, although oral ingestion may prolong the duration of these
effects.
ii. Cannabis is safer than current, legal Schedule H opiate drugs
Contrast the remarkable safety of cannabis with the equally remarkable toxicity of
opioids. As little as two grams of dried opium poppy sap (roughly 200 mg morphine sulfate) can
result in death in an average size human (70 kilogram male) due to profound respiratory
suppression. (702)
This growing documentation of usefulness and safety of cannabis comes at a time when
there have been near epidemic increases in deaths related to prescription opioid
analgesics.( 134, 145, 229, 230 ,341,520,527,618,639,640,740) A number of studies have now
clearly linked risk of fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose to prescription use, with the risk
increasing with the prescribed dosages.(134,618,537) According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), from the years 1999 through 2006, the number of prescription
opioid poisoning deaths in the United States (US) nearly doubled, from approximately 20,000 to
37,000.(116) This increase coincided with a nearly fourfold increase in the use of prescription
opioids nationally.
M
63
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
iii. History of cannabis evidences safety
Cannabis was criminalized in the 1930s, and against the advice of most major medical
societies, the use of cannabis for any purpose, including medicinal, was criminalized in the
United States by 1942.(307, 435,478) Prior to this, there were many cannabis -based prescription
medications commercially manufactured by companies including Eli Lilly, Parke Davis, and
Sharp Dohme (now Merck Sharp Dohme).
Thus, over the past decades there have been further developments in opioid -based
medicines while research in cannabinoid -based medicines was significantly slowed down.
Today there are a multitude of opioid medicines widely available, in pills, patches, as well as for
injection, inhalation, and implantation. The only form of a DEA- approved cannabinoid based
medicine available in the United States is dronabinol (Marinol). According to research,
potentially much of the morbidity and mortality caused by opioid toxicity over the past 70 years
could have been reduced or prevented if cannabis had remained available on the United States
pharmacopeia to serious illnesses. (35,37)
iv. The side effects of cannabis are milder than the other Schedule H
drugs
As with any drug, cannabis is not without side effects. A patient does not need to be
intoxicated to get a beneficial medical effect.(102) Cannabis may induce euphoria and, as such,
may be psychologically addictive, but much less so than other Scheduled II drugs. There is no
severe physical withdrawal syndrome associated with cannabis.(18,20) Cannabis addiction is
amenable to treatment.(102) Cannabis may induce paranoia and disorientation, particularly in
novice users, but again, less so than other Schedule II drugs. (11)
Many of the undesired psychoactive effects of cannabis are due to THC, which is among
the reasons that dronabinol is not a suitable alternative (because dronabinol is 100 percent THC
as opposed to natural cannabis which is only 15 percent THC).(11) However newer medicinal
strains of cannabis are lower in THC and higher in the non psychoactive, more therapeutic
cannabinoids, such as CBD, and CBN. These compounds further improved the efficacy of
cannabis.(18)
C. There are adequate and well controlled studies proving the medical efficacy of
cannabis
Regarding the degree and adequacy of well controlled studies proving efficacy of
cannabis as medicine, a review of the current scientific evidence is provided herein, followed by
historical and societal perspectives. Regarding the accessibility and availability of these studies,
all of the research studies cited herein, are available on the National Library of
Medicine /PubMed httD: /www.ncbi.nlm.nih.2ov /Dubmed).
i. Review of the current scientific evidence proves the medical efficacy
of cannabis
Four reviews of modern human clinical studies with cannabis and cannabinoids in the
United States and elsewhere have recently been published in peer- reviewed literature. (49,197,
471,569) Musty et al. reviewed seven state health department- sponsored clinical trials with data
10
M
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
from a total of 748 patients who received a dose of cannabis and 345 patients who received oral
THC for the treatment of nausea and vomiting following cancer chemotherapy in Tennessee
(1983), Michigan (1982), Georgia (1983), New Mexico (1983 and 1984), California (1989), and
New York (1990).(471) To assess the evidence from these clinical trials, the authors
systematically performed a meta analysis of the individual studies, to assess possible beneficial
effects. These trials were randomized, although it is not clear that they were truly blind. The
authors found that patients who received a dose of cannabis experienced 70 -100 percent relief
from nausea and vomiting, while those who used oral THC experienced 76 -88 percent
relief.(471) Even judged using the strictest of evidence -based medicine (EBM) criteria, the
evidence is convincing that cannabis does relieve nausea and vomiting in this setting. Bagshaw,
et al. performed a systematic, comprehensive review of 80 human studies of cannabis and
cannabinoids, and found similar conclusive evidence in support of cannabis use in the treatment
of refractory nausea and appetite loss resulting from cancer treatment.(35)
Ben Amar et al., performed a meta analytic review of all articles published on Medline
and PubMed from inception of up till July 1, 2005.(49) The key words used were cannabis,
marijuana, marihuana, hashish, hashich, haschich, cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC,
dronabinol, nabilone, levonantradol, randomised, randomized, double blind, simple blind,
placebo controlled, and human. The research also included studies published in English, French,
and Spanish. For the final selection, the authors only included properly controlled clinical trials.
Open label studies were excluded. Seventy -two controlled studies evaluating the therapeutic
effects of cannabis and cannabinoids were identified. The forms of cannabis and approximate
dosages were included as well as efficacy, and adverse effects. The authors concluded that on
the basis of the reviewed studies, cannabinoids present significant therapeutic potential as
antiemetic, appetite stimulants, analgesics, and also shows significant benefit in the treatment of
multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, and glaucoma.(49)
Rocha et al. performed a systematic review and metaanalysis identified 30 randomized,
controlled clinical trials that evaluated the antiemetic efficacy of cannabinoids in comparison
with conventional drugs and placebo.(569) A Cochrane -style meta analysis of 18 studies,
including 13 randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing cannabis to standard antiemetics
for treatment of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, revealed a
statistically significant patient preference for cannabis or its components versus a control drug,
the latter being either placebo or an antiemetic drug such as prochlorperazine, domperidone, or
alizapride.(49)
ii. Medicinal dosing paradigms are safe and effective and alternatives
to smoking are recommended
Dosing paradigms for medicinal cannabis have been previously described. (16,105) With
simple trial and error, most patients are able to get the right combination of cannabinoids that
will address their symptoms and meet their needs. While research has not shown cannabis
smoke definitely causes lung cancer, it can irritate bronchial mucosal membranes. (3 7,3 40)
In any case, cannabis does not need to be smoked to be effectively used as medicine.
Cannabis can be vaporized. Cannabinoids are volatile and will vaporize at temperatures in the
range of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, much lower than actual combustion. (193,438,698) Heated air
11
65
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
is drawn through cannabis and the active compounds vaporized, which are then inhaled. This
rapid delivery of the cannabinoids allows for easy titration to desired effect, much as with
smoking yet without health risks. (87,374,428) Additionally, cannabis can be ingested orally, or
applied topically in a liniment.(105)
iii. Many known cannabinoids (not including THC) have therapeutic
value with little or no cognitive or psychoactive side effects; dronabinol
(Marinol) is not an appropriate substitute for cannabis due to its
100 percent THC and lacking therapeutic cannabinoids
There are many known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that have tremendous
therapeutic value, yet have little or no cognitive or psychoactive effects. (11,18,102) The
cannabinoids are lipophilic, 21 carbon terpenes, and include delta -9 THC and delta -8 THC, of
which the THC produces the majority of psychoactive effects.(679) While the DEA considers
cannabis a Schedule I drug, it classifies dronabinol (Marinol) as Schedule III. Dronabinol is 100
percent THC and is potentially very psychoactive. Natural cannabis typically would be no more
than 15 percent THC by weight. Thus it is inconsistent that cannabis, with 15 percent THC,
remains a Schedule I drug, while dronabinol, at 100 percent THC, is Schedule III.
In addition, many patients find dronabinol too sedating and associated with too many
psychoactive effects due to its 100 percent THC. Dronabinol is not an appropriate substitute for
natural cannabis because other major cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol
(CBN) in the natural substance, both of which significantly modify the effects THC and have
distinct therapeutic and advantageous effects of their own. CBD appears to modulate and reduce
any untoward effects of THC. (72,87,339,374,428,462,595,746) CBN appears to have distinct
pharmacological properties that are quite different from cannabidiol.(72) CBN has significant
anticonvulsant, sedative, and other pharmacological activities likely to interact with the effects of
THC.(72) CBN may induce sleep and may provide some protection against seizures for
epileptics. (3 3 9) Of relevance for pain management for serious illnesses, in addition to analgesia,
the following dose dependent pharmacologic actions have been observed in studies: muscle
relaxation, anti inflammatory effects, neuroprotection in ischemia and hypoxia, enhanced well-
being, and anxiolysis.(16) The ratios of the various cannabinoids differ according to the plant
strain, and, to some extent, how the plant is grown.(678)
Sharing Schedule I with cannabis are heroin, lysergic acid, and methamphetamine.
Schedule II is a category of drugs considered to have a strong potential for abuse or addiction,
but that also have legitimate medical use. Included here are opium, morphine, cocaine, and
oxycodone. Schedule III drugs are felt to have even less abuse or addiction potential than
Schedule I or II drugs and have a beneficial medical use. Included here are dronabinol,
hydrocodone, amphetamine -based stimulants, and short- acting barbiturates. Schedule IV and V
drugs are felt to have even less risks. Schedule IV drugs include benzodiazepines, while
Schedule V drugs include antidiarrheals and antitussives that contain opioid derivatives. For
further perspective, the DEA does not schedule carisoprodol (Soma) at all, implying that this
agency does not consider it a dangerous drug. Carisoprodol is a widely used muscle relaxant
whose active metabolite is the barbiturate meprobamate. Carisoprodol also shows serotonergic
activity at higher levels and has produced overdose in humans. Abrupt cessation in patients
taking large doses of carisoprodol will produce withdrawal, characterized by vomiting, insomnia,
12
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
tremors, psychosis, and ataxia. Given that dronabinol, being 100 percent THC and highly
psychoactive, is Schedule III, and the potentially addictive drug carisoprodol is unscheduled, it is
inconsistent that cannabis remains a Schedule I drug. Schedule II is entirely appropriate for
cannabis.
Potential analgesic sites of action for cannabinoids have been identified at brain, spinal
cord and peripheral levels .(87,374,428,595) There is strong data indicating that neurons in the
rostroventral medulla and periaqueductal grey are involved the brain mediated analgesic effects
of cannabinoids.(213) There are also spinal mechanisms of analgesia, including cannabinergic
inhibition of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), glycine, and glutamate release. (122, 226, 304,
305, 464, 600, 636) There is also a growing body of evidence showing a peripheral analgesic
action of cannabinoids, particularly if inflammation is present. (196,688) Animal studies have
demonstrated analgesic effects of locally delivered cannabinoids at doses that would not be
systemically effective.(196) The mechanisms of these peripheral analgesic actions are not
completely understood but appear to be related to the anti inflammatory effects of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids have profound effects on cytokine production, although the direction of such
effects is variable and not always mediated by cannabinoid receptors. Another proposed
mechanism for the anti inflammatory actions is cannabinoid- induced increased production of
eicosanoids that promote the resolution of inflammation. This differentiates cannabinoids from
cyclooxygenase -2 inhibitors that suppress the synthesis of eicosanoids that promote the induction
of the inflammatory process.(16,35)
D. Cannabis has been accepted by the medical community as meeting the current,
modern accepted standards for what constitutes medicine
On November 10, 2009, the American Medical Association (AMA) voted to reverse its
long -held position that cannabis remain a Schedule I substance. The AMA adopted a report
drafted by the AMA Council on Science and Public Health CSAPH) entitled, "Use of Cannabis
for Medicinal Purposes," which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and called for
further research. The AMA CSAPH report concluded that, "short term controlled trials indicate
that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially
in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with
multiple sclerosis." Furthermore, the report urges that "the Schedule I status of marijuana be
reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid -based
medicines, and alternate delivery methods."
The AMA's position change on medical cannabis followed a resolution adopted in 2008
by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the country's second largest physician group and
the largest organization of doctors of internal medicine. The ACP resolution also called for
reconsideration of moving medicinal cannabis out of schedule I after performing an "evidence
based review of the current science" on the medical efficacy of cannabis, which this report
provides in part.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM), a very prestigious organization of clinical and basic
science researchers, was among the first major physician based group to adopt a new stance,
issuing the landmark publication, "Marijuana and Medicine" on April 7, 2003. This consensus
13
67
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
report addressed the scientific basis and the therapeutic effects of cannabis to treat a multitude of
medical conditions. The IOM consensus book specifically evaluates how well cannabis meets all
of the current, modern accepted standards for what constitutes "medicine." This document is
available on the IOM website: http: /iom.edu /Reports/ 2003 /Mariivana- and Medicine- Assessin2-
the Science- Base.aspx
There is now consensus of medical opinion concerning medical acceptability of cannabis
among the largest groups of physicians in the United States. The medical community has
increasingly recommended cannabis as an accepted form of therapeutic medicine for multiple
serious illnesses. Members of the medical community have adopted effective treatment
protocols for certain conditions. The medical community continues to develop methods of safe,
consistent and effective dose and potency customized to individual patients' needs.
Much research as described throughout this report has proven cannabis' effectiveness,
and allowing patients to access and use cannabis for medical use consistently enjoys widespread
support among clinicians. The available medical research indicates that cannabis is highly
effective in treating a number of problems commonly encountered in medicine. Arguably, to
reclassify it, only one accepted treatment modality is necessary: for example, treatment for
neuropathic pain and wasting associated with HIV /AIDS, which is undisputable among any
physician across the United States —that alone provides sufficient justification to reclassify
cannabis for medical purposes. Many patients who are currently on long term opioids could
potentially be treated with either cannabis alone or in combination with a lower dose of opioids
(instead of far more harmful long- acting opioid medication).
From a pharmacological perspective, cannabinoids are considerably safer than opioids
and have broad therapeutic applicability. Cannabis is a medicine that has proved efficacious and
could be potentially very beneficial for patients and much safer than other "legal" options such
as opioid based medicines. This is an opinion that doctors share across the county. Further
doctors have developed dosing and potency applicability and methods for specific patients'
condition, and these methods have become accepted and more widespread across the medical
community in our nation and beyond.
E. The scientific evidence is widely available
The scientific evidence is replete and widely available. As the previous sections fully
elucidate, the scientific evidence supports the rescheduling of cannabis for medical use. The
evidence is widely available in complete form through published journals and on the intemet just
like any other medicinal drugs. The evidence is far more than anecdotal self reported effects by
patients. Double -blind placebo studies have shown effectiveness following the FDA's
regulations to prove drug efficacy.
i. Scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis is
readily available directly from the National Library of Medicine
The scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis is readily available
directly from the National Library of Medicine http /www.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov /Dubmed/ also
known as MEDLINE(R) or PubMed Central). This is the United States government's repository
14
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
for peer- reviewed scientific research. On this website the independently peer- reviewed research
papers can be identified with the abstracts of research, a summarized form of a paper published
in the medical literature. The full, complete data set can be accessed from the specific journal
that the work is published in. For some journals there may be a small fee required to access this
unless the person accessing the journal has a subscription or works at an institution with a group
subscription.
There are now considerably more randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled
clinical trials documenting the efficacy of cannabis for medicinal treatment of any number of
conditions (pain, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma) than would typically be required of a standard
prescription medication to obtain FDA approval for a given purpose (especially compared with
the last time the FDA reviewed the matter in 2006). This is now being documented summarily in
the Cochrane Library data base as well. There are several well done Cochrane reviews that
summarize the multiple controlled, large scale, clinical trials that have been conducted with
cannabis for efficacy as well as safety.(14) In fact, a simple word search on PubMed using just
one keyword phrase "medical marijuana" reveals more than 2,389 published papers in peer
reviewed journals. Doing a search using the keyword "hydrocodone," the most widely
prescribed opioid analgesic in the United States, reveals a total of only 508 published papers
(search done November 27, 2011; 12:00 PST, English language literature only): *hydrocodone is
the most commonly prescribed opioid medication in the United States, and the active ingredient
in Vicodin; *active opioid ingredient in Percocet®; +active opioid ingredient in tapentadol®
ii. Table One compares the number of Medline citations for medical
marijuana compared to other commonly prescribed opioid medications
(as of 11/2712011; 12:00 PST):
I Medication (name /search term) I Number of Medline (peer reviewed) Citations
Medical marijuana
1 2,389
Hydrocodone*
1 508
Oxycodone
1 1553
Tapentadol+
181
TABLE ONE
For the purposes of example, the results of a series of randomized, placebo controlled
FDA approved clinical trials performed by regional branches of the University of California
(UC) demonstrated that inhaled cannabis holds therapeutic value that is comparable to or better
than conventional medications, particularly in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. These findings
were publicly presented to the California legislature, and also appear online here:
http:// www .cmcr.ucsd.edu/ima2es /pdfs /CMCR REPORT FE1317.pdf
Further, the UC findings paralleled those previously reported by the American Medical
Association's Council on Science and Public Health. The research on medicinal cannabis is
subject to all the standard procedural protocols required for all medical research. This provides
ample opportunity for peer members of the scientific community to fully vet and scrutinize the
data demonstrating safety and efficacy of cannabis.
With respect to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the five
cited elements required to make a determination of "currently accepted medical use" for medical
15
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
cannabis, all of these have been fulfilled as described herein. As noted above, there is a more
complete scientific analysis of the chemical components found in cannabis than in the most
commonly prescribed opioid medications. In fact, there are over four times more studies
assessing the efficacy and safety of cannabis for medical use than there are for hydrocodone.
These studies must pass through the same vetting process as any other study published in a peer
reviewed journal. In fact, the data above is from only the peer reviewed journals accepted by the
National Library of Medicine, which has its own stringent criteria for citing journal articles (see:
httt)://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.eov/Dubmed).
Research on the medical use of cannabis has unmistakably progressed to the point that it
can be considered to have a "currently accepted medical use" as required by 21 U.S.C.
812(b)(2)(B))•
iii. With respect to a consensus of medical opinion, currently all of the
following health organizations have issued statements in favor of
medical cannabis
International and National Organizations
AIDS Action Council
AIDS Treatment News
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Physicians
American Medical Association
American Medical Student Association
American Nurses Association
American Preventive Medical Association
American Public Health Association
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Arthritis Research Campaign (United Kingdom)
Australian Medical Association (New South Wales) Limited
Australian National Task Force on Cannabis
Belgian Ministry of Health
British House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology
British House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (Second Report)
British Medical Association
Canadian AIDS Society
Canadian Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs
Dr. Dean Edell (surgeon and nationally syndicated radio host)
French Ministry of Health
Health Canada
Kaiser Permanente
Lymphoma Foundation of America
The Montel Williams MS Foundation
Multiple Sclerosis Society (Canada)
The Multiple Sclerosis Society (United Kingdom)
CL
FEB
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
National Academy of Sciences Institute Of Medicine (IOM)
National Association for Public Health Policy
National Nurses Society on Addictions
Netherlands Ministry of Health
New England Journal of Medicine
New South Wales (Australia) Parliamentary Working Party on the use of Cannabis for Medical
Purposes
Dr. Andrew Weil (nationally recognized professor of internal medicine and founder of the
National Integrative Medicine Council)
State and Local Organizations
Alaska Nurses Association
Being Alive: People With HIV /AIDS Action Committee (San Diego, CA)
California Academy of Family Physicians
California Medical Association
California Nurses Association
California Pharmacists Association
Colorado Nurses Association
Connecticut Nurses Association
Florida Governor's Red Ribbon Panel on AIDS
Florida Medical Association
Hawaii Nurses Association
Illinois Nurses Association
Life Extension Foundation
Medical Society of the State of New York
Mississippi Nurses Association
New Jersey State Nurses Association
New Mexico Medical Society
New Mexico Nurses Association
New York County Medical Society
New York State Nurses Association
North Carolina Nurses Association
Rhode Island Medical Society
Rhode Island State Nurses Association
San Francisco Mayor's Summit on AIDS and HIV
San Francisco Medical Society
Vermont Medical Marijuana Study Committee
Virginia Nurses Association
Washington State Medical Association
Washington State Pharmacy Assocaition
Whitman Walker Clinic (Washington, DC)
Wisconsin Nurses Association
17
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Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
2. OTHER CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE (FACTOR THREE)
The third factor the Secretary must consider is the state of current scientific knowledge
regarding cannabis. Thus, this section, in combination with the previous pharmacology section,
discusses the chemistry, human pharmacokinetics, and medical uses of cannabis. In addition,
there are a multitude of new randomized, controlled clinical trials using cannabis that have been
published in the past five years, which are new since the previously cited (FDA 2006 report)
metanalyses.(5, 6,7,35,143,197,280,281,471,711) These investigations were done primarily in
HIV related painful neuropathy, spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and appetite stimulation in
HIV patients.
All of these recent studies have shown statistically significant improvements in pain
relief, spasticity, and appetite in the cannabis -using groups compared with controls. (5,6,7,35,
143,197,280,281,471,711) A very recent systematic review and meta analysis was done to
evaluate the clinical effectiveness of analgesics in treating painful HIV related sensory
neuropathy (HIV- SN).(198) The Medline, Cochrane central register of controlled trials
(www.clinicaltrials.2ov, www.controlled- trials.com and the reference lists of retrieved articles)
were all searched for prospective, double blinded, randomized controlled trials investigating the
pharmacological treatment of painful HIV -SN with 44 studies identified, 19 were RCTs. Of
these, 14 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Interventions demonstrating greater efficacy than
placebo were cannabis, topical capsaicin, and recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF),
and of those three, cannabis had the strongest overall beneficial clinical effect. No superiority
over placebo was reported in RCTs that examined amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin,
prosaptide, peptide -T, acetyl- L- carnitine, mexilitine, and lamotrigine.(198)
While nearly all of the published controlled clinical trials with cannabis conducted in the
United States have shown statistically significant and measurable benefits in subjects receiving
the treatment, there have been negative results. (121,198,299,536) Most notable perhaps was a
study done by Greenberg, et al, in which 10 patients with spastic multiple sclerosis and 10
healthy controls showed a clinical improvement in pain and spasticity in some patients, but
impairment in posture and balance was noted in the MS group.(299) Another study in 18 healthy
females using a cannabis extract did not show an affect on heat pain thresholds in a sunburn
model, but this hyperalgesia effect had not been previously seen nor has this been substantiated
by another study.(563)
The vast majority of modern research indicates that cannabis has significant therapeutic
efficacy in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include relief of pain
associated with serious illnesses like cancer, spasticity, anorexia, nausea, glaucoma, and
movement disorders. In addition, an emerging body of research suggests that the medicinal
properties of cannabis may help the body in the setting of neurodegenerative disorders including
ALS, Parkinson Disease, among others, as well as help against some types of malignant
tumors. (3 -5,13- 16,30,31,37,72,102 109,122)
72
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
3. CANNABIS IS NOT AN IMMEDIATE PRECURSOR TO A CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCE (FACTOR EIGHT)
The eighth factor the Secretary must consider is whether cannabis is an immediate
precursor of a controlled substance. Cannabis is not an immediate precursor of another
controlled substance. It is a controlled substance, and it would not metabolize into another
controlled substance. Nothing more is required to address for this factor.
4. ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE (FACTOR ONE)
Generally, this factor (actual and potential for abuse) is similar to and best read together
with the following sections that discuss the other factors required for this rule- making petition
(dependence liability; pattern of abuse; and scope, duration and significance of abuse). The
organization of this report reflects this grouping, while addressing each required factor
independently for purposes of ensuring full analysis and compliance with the rule- making
petition requirements.
This section discusses the issues involved with drug abuse, and begins with a review of
the distinctions between the terms "addiction," "compulsive use," "abuse," "dependence," and
"problems." These terms and related clinical and social concepts have evolved over time such
that views of what was addiction a few decades ago no longer are the same in the general
medical community today.
A. Background: definitions
Some researchers claim that cannabis is not particularly addictive. Experts assert that
cannabis's addictive potential parallels caffeine's.(200,228) Hilts (1994) asked two prominent
drug researchers to rank features of six common drugs: nicotine, caffeine, heroin, cocaine,
alcohol, and cannabis.(200) Both experts ranked cannabis last in its ability to produce
withdrawal, tolerance, and dependence. Another study had experts rank 18 drugs on how easily
they `hook' people and how difficult they are to quit. Cannabis ranked 14th, behind the legal
drugs nicotine (ranked first), alcohol (ranked 8th), and caffeine (ranked 12th). (See chart in
section C of this factor regarding "Addictiveness Ratings for Drugs of Abuse
The results above reflect expert opinions. Other evidence also suggests that marijuana is
not particularly addictive. For example, only a fraction of those who try cannabis eventually use
it regularly. Nevertheless, some users still develop troubles related to the drug, and many request
assistance in limiting their consumption. (5 73) In the face of these problems, the low ratings of
addictive propensity seem confusing. This confusion may arise from diverse meanings for the
word addiction.
The term `addiction' developed to describe the repetition of a habit. Addiction initially
did not necessarily involve drugs. Its Latin root, `addictus,' means state, proclaim, or bind. The
origin suggests an obvious, stated connection between addicted people and their actions. The
word connotes surrender, and implies that an activity or substance has bound the person.(383)
Addiction was usually treated as a bad habit, similar to biting one's nails compulsively. At the
19
73
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
beginning of the 20th century, at least in America, the term changed from a description of actions
to a medical condition. This distinction may seem subtle, but converting a bad habit into a
physiological disorder brings it into the domain of medical intervention. This medical approach
implies that addiction is not just a troublesome activity; it is a personal condition. Medicine has
transformed many troubling behaviors into biological illnesses, with many repercussions,
including inconsistent and unclear clinical meaning.(225,671)
Some medical texts support the term `addiction' as the proper expression for drug
problems. This definition emphasizes preoccupation with the substance, compulsive use, and
frequent relapses. People who spend considerable time and effort trying to obtain the drug
appear preoccupied.
Compulsive use describes the subjective sense that one is forced to consume the drug. It
need not mean intoxication at every moment. Compulsive use also can include consistent
consumption under identical circumstances, such as using a drug at the same time each evening.
Repeated use despite attempts to stop also typifies this definition of addiction. Proponents of this
approach to defining problems emphasize loss of control. Loss of control implies that the initial
use of the substance impairs the ability to stop. A tacit assumption in some medical settings
suggests that these symptoms arise from a biological process, an interaction of a foreign
chemical with internal physiology. (45 3) This approach may have inspired the disease model of
addiction.
B. Background: the disease model of addiction
The disease model generates considerable emotion in many who investigate, treat, or
experience drug problems. The controversy surrounding the model reflects the history of human
reactions to personal difficulties as a moral issue or a moral model of addiction.
The moral model attributed troubles to ignoble thoughts, actions, or character. Some
adherents to the moral model suggested that those with drug problems were weak willed. The
moral approach identified the initial source of the disorder as being inside the individual.
A shift to use of a disease model asserted that drug problems served as symptoms of an
illness. This illness led people, through no fault of their own, to the problematic consumption of
substances. The disease model minimized blaming addicts for symptoms beyond their control
(e.g., few people fault people for contracting a disease like anthrax or influenza). No one tells
people with these diseases to `use willpower' to combat symptoms, whereas some believe
resolving drug problems is a matter of willpower. The disease model suggests that
condemnation wastes effort that could be better spent on therapy. This model underlies one of
the most popular approaches to substance abuse treatment, the 12 -step program.
Critics of the disease model suggest that viewing drug problems as a disease can have
drawbacks. In an effort to minimize blaming people for addictive behavior, proponents of the
disease model may have created another set of problems. The definition of disease has grown
slippery. Addiction may not qualify because it does not parallel other illnesses. No bacteria or
viruses lead to substance abuse the way they create anthrax or HIV /AIDS. Genes do not cause
addiction in the direct way they produce Down Syndrome or hemophilia. The symptoms of
20
74
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
cancer do not flare up in certain environments the way that craving for liquor may increase in
certain contexts. Despite these facts, some advocates of the disease model treat addiction as a
purely biological phenomenon. This emphasis on biology can exclude important economic,
societal, and psychological contributors. (524)
The opinion that drug problems reflect a medical disorder has certain drawbacks. The
idea ignores social aspects of addiction, creates a dependence on medical treatments, and may
lead to higher rates of relapse. Viewing addiction as a purely biological phenomenon minimizes
established links between social class and drug problems. (3 4,44 8) This approach may blind
people to the potential for limiting drug problems through social change. A purely biological
approach may also lead people to rely inappropriately on medications rather than psychological
treatment. Changing personal behavior is often difficult. Changing societal and cultural mores
can prove even tougher. Prescribing medication for a disease is often more straightforward. The
disease model also may contribute to higher rates of relapse because of a central idea about loss
of control. A belief in this symptom, which describes an inability to use a drug in small
amounts, may actually increase relapse rates.(419, 524)
Increases in the risk of relapse may serve as a prime example of a drawback associated
with the disease model. Problem users frequently report that initial consumption of a drug
invariably leads to using markedly more than they ever intended. Many assumed that a chemical
process associated with the experience of intoxication impaired their ability to stop consumption.
This loss of control became synonymous with addictive disease. Yet, alcoholics surreptitiously
given alcohol do not show signs of uncontrolled drinking. In contrast, alcoholics who believe
they have consumed alcohol after drinking a placebo do show less control over their
drinking.(419) These results suggest that what people think is more important than what they
consume.
In one relevant study, cannabis users in treatment reported about their relapses. Some
used on a single occasion, considered it a `slip,' and returned to abstinence quickly. Others
considered the single use a sign of weak will or disease and ended up consuming markedly
more.(651) These data suggest that this sort of loss of control likely arises from a psychological
rather than a biological process. Many researchers view these data as evidence against the
disease model.
Other definitions of both addiction and disease have added to the controversy. Peele
emphasizes tolerance, withdrawal, and craving as essential to addiction.(524) His work returns
to the old definition of addiction, which can include actions that do not require chemicals. He
extends the concept beyond drugs to nearly every behavior imaginable. (523) Yet he remains one
of the most outspoken critics of the disease model. Tolerance, withdrawal, and craving all vary
with features of the environment, suggesting that more than biology contributes to addictive
behavior. Peele (1998) asserts that this evidence helps discredit the disease model. Other
researchers argue that Peele misunderstands addiction.(710) The word may have so many
different uses that it has lost its meaning. Thus, other terms have developed to describe trouble
with drugs.
21
75
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
Because many define addiction quite broadly and disparately, some mental health
professionals prefer the terms `dependence' and `abuse.' Others see these words as pejorative
and judgmental compared to `addiction.'(453) Oddly enough, the World Health Organization
(WHO) proposed the word `dependence' to avoid the derogatory aspects of the word
`addiction.'(195) Addiction may imply a purely physical, biological process that might neglect
psychological contributors to drug problems.(245) Other terms have developed to focus on the
observable behavior without hypothesizing an internal process or disease.
The foregoing discussion and debate provides background for the remaining discussion
on this and the following three factors. In the end, regardless of the term applied or the clinical
definition used, cannabis use, abuse, misuse, or dependence is within reasonable levels,
especially as compared to other Schedule II drugs.
C. Cannabis use indicates a lower likelihood of addiction and abuse potential as
compared to other substances (Table 2):
Heroin
Nicotine
Crack
Oxycoclone
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Alcohol
Amphetamine
Caffeine
Cannabis
7
Addictiveness Ratings for Drugs of Abuse from 746 Drug Professionals. (2 5 0)
A survey of 746 mental health professionals and addictions researchers asked them to
rate the addictiveness of various drugs on a seven -point scale with seven standing for extremely
addictive. Participants included members of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse Counselors, authors of papers published in peer- reviewed journals on substance abuse,
and psychologists, social workers, licensed substance abuse counselors, and psychiatrists. The
sample was evenly split among men and women. As the figure reveals, these experts rated licit
and illicit drugs as more addictive than cannabis, with caffeine, amphetamine, alcohol, cocaine,
methamphetamine, oxycodone, crack cocaine, nicotine and heroin receiving significantly higher
scores. Effect sizes ranged from .18 standard deviations for caffeine to 1.53 standard deviations
for heroin.
22
76
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
5. PSYCHIC OR PHYSIOLOGIC DEPENDENCE LIABILITY (FACTOR SEVEN)
Focusing on observable behavior has been a recurring theme for the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual (DSM) developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This book
attempts to define all psychiatric illnesses. Dependence and abuse appear in this work; addiction
does not. Their definitions have gone through many revisions, and probably will continue to do
so. The first version of the manual (the DSM I) appeared in 1952 (26); it is now in its fourth
edition. Originally, the opinions of many mental health professionals contributed to the
definition of any disorder. Gradually, researchers attempted to clarify the diagnoses based on
science rather than opinion. Early versions of the dependence diagnosis simply required
`evidence of habitual use or a clear sense of need for the drug.'(27) This definition proved too
subjective to diagnose reliably. Current definitions focus on a maladaptive pattern of use that
leads to impairment or distress. Other symptoms are required for the diagnoses, as described
below.
A. Cannabis has low relative dependence risk and does not reach the severity
associated with other drugs
The DSM -IV defines drug dependence as a collection of any three of severe symptoms.
All must create meaningful distress and occur within the same year. The diagnosis requires a
certain amount of judgment on the clinician's part, but the symptoms tend to be obvious. Each
symptom reflects the idea that a person requires the drug to function and makes maladaptive
sacrifices to use it. The current diagnosis focuses on consequences, not the amount or frequency
of consumption. In contrast, earlier versions of the DSM once employed the frequency of
intoxication as a symptom. For example, the diagnosis of a disorder known as `habitual
excessive drinking' required intoxication 12 times per year.(27) This approach proved inexact,
and failed to relate to the magnitude of difficulties. Thus, current diagnoses of drug dependence
focus on negative consequences. They include tolerance and withdrawal, which were once
considered the hallmarks of dependence. The additional symptoms are: use that exceeds initial
intention, persistent desire for the drug or failed attempts to decrease consumption, loss of time
related to use, reduced activities because of consumption, and continued use despite problems.
Tolerance is one of the hallmarks of physiological dependence. It occurs when repeated
use of the same dose no longer produces as dramatic an effect. This symptom can indicate
extensive use, and may motivate continued consumption. People do not grow tolerant to a drug,
but to its effects. After repeated use, some of the effects of a drug may decrease while others
may not. Tolerance to the desired effects of cannabis may encourage people to use more. Many
people report using cannabis to enhance their moods.(628) Yet, tolerance develops to the mood
enhancing effect of THC.(278) This tolerance may lead people to use more to achieve the same
emotional reactions. The increased use may coincide with a greater chance for problems.
Ironically, tolerance to negative effects may also encourage more consumption. For example,
using marijuana creates dry mouth, but this effect diminishes with use.(719) This negative effect
may have inhibited use initially. People might stop using if their mouths became too dry. But
once tolerance develops, their mouths do not grow as dry and they may use more. Thus,
23
77
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
tolerance to marijuana's effects may lead to increased consumption, and serves as a symptom of
dependence.
The second symptom of dependence is withdrawal. Withdrawal refers to discomfort
associated with the absence of the drug. Many drugs produce withdrawal, including the most
common ones: caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. The most notorious drug withdrawal may come
from heroin. This opiate has a reputation for producing dramatic withdrawal symptoms. No two
people experience withdrawal in the exact same way. Many assert that cannabis does not
produce any withdrawal at all. It certainly does not create the dramatic symptoms characteristic
of alcohol or heroin, and many users do not experience any problems after discontinuing
use.(609) Nevertheless, people who are given synthetic THC for a few consecutive days report
negative moods and disturbed sleep after they stop taking the drug.(278) People who use
cannabis a few days in a row report more anxiety without the drug.(279) Cannabis can lead to
withdrawal, and thus dependence, but it does not reach the severity of dependence associated
with other drugs like alcohol or opiates.
The lack of flagrant, obvious cannabis withdrawal symptoms inspired the American
Psychiatric Association to distinguish between types of dependence. Early versions of the
diagnosis of dependence specifically noted that cannabis might cause problems in individuals
who do not experience withdrawal. (14,2 7) The DSM -IV distinguishes between dependence with
and without a physiological component. If tolerance or withdrawal appear among the three
required symptoms, a diagnosis of physiological dependence is appropriate. Nevertheless, even
without tolerance or withdrawal, individuals may receive a diagnosis of substance dependence
without a physiological component. If they show three other symptoms, they will still receive
the diagnosis. This change in procedure has made the diagnosis of marijuana dependence
potentially more common.
A third symptom of dependence involves use that exceeds initial intention. This
symptom suggests that individuals may plan to consume a certain amount of a drug, but once
intoxication begins, they use markedly more. Use that exceeds intention was once known as loss
of control. Many people misinterpreted the idea of loss of control, suggesting it meant an
unstoppable compulsion to use the entire drug available. Use that exceeds intention specifically
does not imply this dramatic, unconscious consumption. This symptom simply suggests that
dependent users may have trouble using a small amount if they intend to.
Dependence also includes a fourth symptom: failed attempts to decrease use, or a
constant desire for the drug. An inability to reduce drug consumption despite a wish to do so
certainly suggests that the drug has altered behavior meaningfully. Yet, someone with no
motivation to quit would likely never qualify for a failed attempt. Thus, people who have not
attempted to quit may still qualify for this symptom if they show a persistent, continuous craving
for the drug. An inability to stop or a constant desire suggests dependence.
A fifth symptom of dependence involves loss of time related to use. The time lost can be
devoted to experiencing intoxication, recovering from it, or seeking drugs. Because marijuana is
illegal, users may spend considerable time in search of it. People addicted to caffeine, nicotine,
or alcohol may prove less likely to lose time in search of these substances. The number of hours
24
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
required to qualify for a meaningful loss of time is unclear, making this symptom seem
subjective. Clear -cut cases include anyone whose day is devoted to finding drugs, getting
intoxicated, and recovering. Anyone who spends a few hours each day on these activities would
also qualify, depending on circumstances. In contrast, individuals who use cannabis for medical
purposes would see increased productivity and might argue that they have lost little time in
comparison with the medical benefits, so they would not likely qualify for this symptom.
However, the subjective assessment of a meaningful amount of time may contribute to problems
with the diagnosis of dependence.
The sixth symptom of dependence is reduced activities because of drug use. This
symptom focuses on work, relationships, and leisure. The presence of this symptom suggests
that the drug has taken over so much of daily life that the user would qualify as dependent. Any
impairment in job performance because of intoxication, hangover, or devoting work hours to
obtaining drugs would qualify for the symptom. Anyone who misses work habitually might
qualify for reduced activities. Sufficient functioning at work, however, does not ensure against
dependence. Even with stellar job performance, impaired social functioning can also indicate
problems. If a user's only friends are also users and they only socialize while intoxicated, the
substance has obviously had a marked impact on friendships. Recreational functioning is also
important to the diagnosis. A user who formerly enjoyed hiking, reading, and theatre, but now
spends all free time intoxicated would qualify for the symptom. This approach to the diagnosis
implies that cannabis users who are not experiencing a multifaceted life can improve the way
they function by using less, but it would not suggest that a medical cannabis user who improves
performance would qualify.
The last symptom of dependence requires continued use despite problems. People who
persist in using the drug despite obvious negative consequences would qualify for this symptom.
Recurrent use regardless of continued occupational, social, interpersonal, psychological, or
health trouble obviously shows dependence. Continued consumption in the face of conflicts with
loved ones, employers, and family might qualify for this symptom. This creates an odd
diagnostic situation because the symptom may vary with the person's environment. These
interpersonal conflicts may arise from different interpersonal situations. This situation supports
the idea that anyone who continues to use despite negative consequences must have a strong
commitment to the drug, but members of a drug- oriented subculture might be less likely to be
diagnosed with this symptom. Other problems need not involve people in the user's life. For
example, anyone with emphysema who continues smoking tobacco would qualify for this
symptom. People who report guilt or a loss of self respect because of their drug use also qualify
for this symptom. Those who continue using even when it leads them to have a negative view of
themselves show a genuine sign of dependence. However, a medical cannabis user's quality of
life would improve because of relief provided from their debilitating condition.
B. Conclusion: low risk of dependence does not reach the severity necessary to keep
cannabis classified as a Schedule I substance
The seven symptoms of dependence do not indicate a risk to justify continued Schedule I
placement of medical cannabis. Clearly risk is present, but it is significantly less than other legal
and Schedule II drugs, especially for medical users of cannabis because performance would
25
79
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
likely improve in comparison with what a debilitating illness causes. Thus, reclassifying
cannabis for medical use as a Schedule II is appropriate.
6. HISTORY AND CURRENT PATTERN OF ABUSE (FACTOR FOUR)
The fourth factor the Secretary must consider is the history and current pattern of abuse
of cannabis. The history and current pattern of abuse can be confusing to estimate because a
large percentage of United States citizens have tried marijuana at least once, but that is not as
relevant to this analysis as the prevalence of use and misuse.
Some estimates suggest that over 40 percent of the nation has tried the plant. Rates were
particularly high during peak eras of the 1970s.(14) For some age groups, trying marijuana is
normative. For example, over 50 percent of those aged 18 -25 report trying marijuana in their
lifetimes, as has been the case each year from 2002 2010.(14) These reports from the National
Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) are available through the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration SAMHSA) website: http: /www.oas.samhsa.gov. Despite this
prevalence, negative consequences remain rare. Most important, trying marijuana once should
not be confused with a health problem, let alone a diagnosis of dependence or abuse.
A. Cannabis rates of dependence or abuse are remarkably low in comparison with
other drugs
Rates of dependence or abuse are remarkably low. A survey of over 700 health
professionals revealed that cannabis was considered less addictive than a host of other drugs,
including the licit drugs alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine as well as Schedule II drugs like
oxycodone, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.(250) The presence of marijuana dependence
was extremely difficult to identify for many decades.(193) Recent work suggests that the
diagnosis of both dependence and abuse remains extremely controversial. It is unfortunate that
the term "dependence" is also used for illicit drugs with markedly more severe addictive
potential and abuse dependence, including opiates. What qualifies as marijuana dependence
lacks the severity and negative consequences common to dependence on alcohol or
opiates.(128,193)
Even using these controversial diagnoses, rates of dependence and abuse are low.
Interviews for the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey ([NLAES] and National
Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions ([NESARC] each confirm that rates of
dependence or abuse of cannabis have never exceed two percent in a given year.(138) These are
huge studies, each with samples sizes over 40,000 people, employing extensive interviews with
highly trained professionals. They likely create the most accurate estimates available. In
contrast, alcohol abuse and dependence appears in seven to eight percent of the population in a
given year.(138) The non medical use of prescription drugs is markedly less common than using
marijuana one time (approximately 10 percent), but over 20 percent of those people later qualify
for a diagnosis of abuse.(428) Again, these SAMHSA -NSDUH reports are all available at:
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov
26
:1
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
B. Cannabis dependence causes much less severe negative consequences than other
Schedule II drugs
Another important point to consider when interpreting data on marijuana problems
involves a lack of focus on medical users. Currently, no large study of symptoms of dependence
or abuse of marijuana focuses on patients with physician recommendations. At worst it is
reasonable to generalize that if the two percent rate of dependence or abuse would generalize to
medical users, then cannabis represents a far less harmful drug than other legal Schedule II
substances.
One symptom of dependence involves time lost obtaining the drug. Obviously, a
legitimate source of cannabis comparable to the pharmacies that provide Schedule II drugs
would eliminate this symptom. In addition, given the low severity of the most common
symptoms of dependence (like tolerance), it cannot be concluded that this risk always outweighs
medical utility.
7. SCOPE, DURATION, AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ABUSE (FACTOR FIVE)
A subset of individuals may experience negative consequences from drugs that do not
qualify for dependence but still lead to the diagnosis of substance abuse. This diagnosis requires
significant impairment or distress directly related to the use of the drug. This dysfunction and
strain are necessary to identify abuse. The diagnosis requires only one of the four symptoms that
appear in the current criteria.(28) These symptoms include: interference with major obligations,
intoxication in unsafe settings, legal problems, and continued use in the face of troubles. Each of
these signs requires some interpretation on a diagnoser's part, but trained individuals apply the
category reliably. Most experienced diagnosticians can agree who meets criteria for substance
abuse and who does not.(694). This definition remains distinctly separate from dependence,
which requires different symptoms and more of them. Although a diagnosis of abuse clearly
serves as a sign of genuine troubles, many clinicians consider dependence more severe. Thus,
those who qualify for dependence would not receive the less severe diagnosis of abuse.
The first symptom of abuse, interference with major obligations, requires impaired
performance at work, home, or school. The idea that abuse requires interference with major
obligations reflects concerns about optimal functioning. The impairment may arise because of
intoxication, recovery from intoxication, or time devoted to searching for drugs. The definition
is necessarily broad in order to apply to people with a variety of responsibilities. The symptom
applies to employees who miss work or students who fail tests because of intoxication. One
curious aspect of this symptom concerns the way some potential abusers arrange their lives to
minimize the impact of their drug use on obligations. Anyone with few major obligations may
become intoxicated more often or more severely without qualifying for the symptom.
The second symptom requires intoxication in an unsafe setting. The DSM specifically
lists driving a car and operating machinery as hazardous situations where intoxication could
create dangerous negative consequences. (6 32) Driving while intoxicated is unacceptable and
qualifies as substance abuse.
27
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
The intoxicated performance of any task can lead to this diagnosis if impairment might
create negative consequences. Driving a forklift or using power tools might qualify. Note that
no negative consequences actually need to occur; their increased likelihood can qualify for
abuse. Thus, those who drive intoxicated but never receive tickets or have accidents would still
qualify for abuse because they have increased their likelihood of negative consequences.
The third symptom included in the diagnosis of substance abuse concerns legal problems.
(76,266) The definition of this symptom makes users of legal drugs less likely to get a diagnosis
of abuse than users of illegal drugs. Any arrest that arises from drug- impaired behavior, such as
public intoxication or driving under the influence, clearly qualifies as abuse. Other legal
problems qualify even if they do not arise from intoxication. If medical cannabis were
rescheduled, the purchase and possession with the proper prescriptions would not be considered
"abuse" alone, so legal problems that some individuals may currently experience should not be
factored into an evaluation of the potential for abuse under the rescheduled drug.
The fourth symptom of drug abuse concerns consistent use despite problems. This
symptom is identical to the last symptom of dependence (discussed under section 5. Psychic or
Physiologic Dependence Liability). Note that recurrent use in the face of occupational, social,
interpersonal, psychological, or health troubles qualifies as abuse. Medical use of cannabis that
helps a patient withstand the effects of a serious illness, would obviously not qualify.
A. The prevalence and significance of potential abuse are limited for cannabis,
especially in relation to other Schedule II substances
One of the most comprehensive studies of abuse and dependence began with interviews
of over 42,000 people. This research focused on people who had used cannabis in the previous
year, and revealed that 23 percent qualified for a diagnosis of abuse and six percent qualified for
a diagnosis of dependence. Abuse appeared more often among rural users. Dependence
appeared more often among users who were depressed.(257)
Other studies have concentrated on negative consequences rather than diagnoses. Recent,
large -scale investigations focused on problems related to social functioning, health troubles, or
psychological symptoms.(257) In a large sample of Americans, 85 percent of people who had
used marijuana in the previous year reported none of these problems. Fifteen percent reported
one, eight percent reported at least two, and four percent reported at least three negative
consequences that they attributed to cannabis use. Thus, more than four out of five people who
had used cannabis in the previous year reported no problems related to the drug.(482)
This information certainly helps provide estimates of marijuana problems, but the data
raise questions. At first glance, it appears that 15 percent of marijuana users experience
problems with the drug. However, the control group failed to account for people who did not use
marijuana but also experience comparable social, medical, or psychological troubles. A
meaningful control group that included people who never used marijuana would certainly help
interpretations of this study. Some of the users in this study may have experienced these
symptoms even if they had never used cannabis. Yet, the tacit assumption, that the cannabis
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
created the problems is not proved. If cannabis users reported more of these sorts of troubles
than nonusers, the idea that cannabis caused the problems would be more supportable. The
current approach, however, may overestimate marijuana's negative impact.
The limitations of this one study do not mean that cannabis does not cause problems.
Other research supports the idea that a percentage of cannabis users experience troubles with the
drug. Approximately nine percent of one group of users followed for five years developed
negative consequences. (7 18) These researchers defined problems in four aspects of life. These
included negative effects of the drug, problems controlling use, and interpersonal difficulties.
They also included unfavorable opinions about use. Adverse opinions included feeling that
marijuana use had grown excessive, guilt- inducing, or objectionable.
Unlike the NIDA study above, which focused on problems that could have occurred to
anyone, this study identified troubles that concentrate more on marijuana. The nine percent of
the sample labeled problem users experienced troubles in at least three of these domains. These
studies both suggest that cannabis use is not harmless, and that some individuals experience
negative consequences from the drug. Even those who may not qualify for addiction, abuse, or
dependence might benefit from altering their marijuana consumption. A focus on problems may
enhance the prevention of addiction, abuse, or dependence, however they are defined. However,
the prevalence of associated problems is less than other legal medicine.
B. Conclusions
Cannabis is the most commonly consumed drug that is currently in Schedule I, with 200-
300 million users worldwide. Approximately a third of Americans have tried the substance at
least once. Less than five percent of Americans report using the drug every week. Estimating
the exact number of users is difficult. The amounts that people consume are also hard to
estimate. A variety of definitions of abuse and misuse of the drug exist. These include
addiction, dependence, abuse, and problems. Addiction does not have a universal definition,
making the term difficult to use scientifically. Abuse and dependence are diagnosed reliably and
clearly can apply to problem marijuana users. Nevertheless, the abuse and dependence
diagnoses may not provide the clear information one might learn from a simple list of marijuana
problems. More to the point, cannabis problems are not particularly common, but six to nine
percent of users report some difficulties with the drug, which is significantly less than other
categories of legal Scheduled II and III drugs.
29
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
8. PUBLIC HEALTH RISK (FACTOR SIX)
This section will review and show that cannabis plays little role in producing social
problems like amotivation, reckless driving, and aggression or hostility. Details of the relevant
studies appear below.
A. Amotivational syndrome generally is not a dangerous side effect, and data shows
little correlation with cannabis use
Some concern has been expressed about the drug's long -term impact on motivation. (475-
480) By the late 1960s, researchers coined the expression `amotivational syndrome' to describe
indifferent, apathic people who used marijuana, yet data has not proven that marijuana actually
alters motivation. As a result, varied definitions and measurements of amotivational syndrome
have led to some review of the concept.
To measure motivation or amotivational syndrome, some investigators have examined
employment history and educational achievement, and others reviewed performance on
laboratory tasks. Nearly all measurement strategies reflect generalized values about
productivity. Many researchers tacitly assume that motivated people perform well in school,
work hard for their employers, and persevere on laboratory tasks. Yet, there are many
exceptions of the world's most famous achievers failing in these domains. People do not share
all goals, or value the pursuit of objectives in the same way. Some cultures emphasize different
values than others.(86)
The notion of amotivational syndrome can inadvertently pathologize behaviors that many
people in other cultures find fulfilling. (467) For example, vacation time varies dramatically
from country to country, reflecting different attitudes about leisure and productivity. (5 68) In
addition, motivation and achievement do not necessarily lead to happiness or increased
satisfaction in life. The idea of amotivational syndrome may present a false promise that
accomplishments lead invariably to happiness.
Even within our society, the definitions of amotivational syndrome vary considerably.
There is no formal diagnosis or established list of symptoms. Most researchers employ their own
unique measures of motivation, making comparisons between studies difficult. Reports usually
describe amotivation as a subtle shift in priorities. Achievement becomes less important; leisure
becomes more important. Sufferers purportedly have few long -term goals or no concrete plans
for attaining them. They may lose the ability to concentrate, endure frustration, and participate
in life. Even if a cannabis- induced amotivational syndrome exists, its symptoms are far less
problematic than the obvious problems associated with the abuse of other drugs. Chronic
cannabis users rarely report the drastic financial, social, and occupational difficulties typical of
addiction to opiates.
The purported symptoms of amotivational syndrome are hardly unique to cannabis use.
Clinical depression often includes the fatigue, poor concentration, and apathy typical of
amotivation. This overlap suggests that a subset of depressed people who use marijuana may
30
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
account for clinical observations of amotivational syndrome. People who are depressed or
unmotivated may happen to use cannabis, giving the impression that the drug has created the
symptoms. In fact, the links among depression, amotivation, and cannabis consumption are not
straightforward.
Recent data reveal that cannabis consumption has no significant association with
depression in adults. A subset of people who use marijuana to cope with problems show more
depressive symptoms, but it is not clear that cannabis use caused their depression. People who
first tried marijuana before age 16 showed more depression later in life, yet this relationship
disappeared when the use of other drugs was taken into account.(261) A separate study revealed
that measures of motivation correlated more with depression than with marijuana consumption,
even among heavy users.(471) Thus, depression rather than cannabis may cause amotivational
symptoms, and medical cannabis users feel less pain and are often less depressed as a result.
The idea that cannabis use diminishes motivation requires the same firm evidence of
association, temporal antecedence, and isolation on the gateway effect. Marijuana must precede
and correlate with amotivation to cause it. The symptoms also must not stem from some other
contributor like personality, depression, or the use of another drug. Ensuring that amotivational
syndrome arises from cannabis requires experiments. Researchers can randomly assign people
to receive cannabis or placebo. This arrangement ensures that everyone is equally likely to end
up in the group that uses cannabis, assuring that any identified deficits arise from cannabis rather
than personality, depression, or other drug use.
In an alternative approach, participants work after use of a placebo and at other times
after cannabis use. This strategy, known as a within subjects design, ensures that all the people
work both intoxicated and sober. Investigators can then compare each person's intoxicated
performance to his or her own work in the absence of the drug. Under these circumstances, any
identified impairment must stem from cannabis. Thus, laboratory experiments can rule out
alternative explanations for the impact of cannabis on motivation. This type of research requires
extensive time, effort, and funding. Cannabis use over many days should produce the lethargy
and lack of ambition typical of the disorder. As the next section discusses, laboratory
experiments on repeated daily exposure reveals no evidence for amotivaltional sydrome.
i. Laboratory performance does not indicate amotivational
syndrome in cannabis users
In one of the first studies of chronic cannabis administration, researchers employed six
men to build chairs for 70 days. They earned two dollars per chair initially, but went on strike
twice and raised their fees. They had periods without cannabis, and weeks when they could
purchase as much as they wanted. For 28 days the researchers required that they use at least two
doses containing a total of 17 mg of THC. Generally, the men built fewer chairs and worked
fewer hours when required to consume cannabis. They also built fewer chairs immediately after
they went on strike and increased their wages. The men showed no other signs of amotivation.
This study supports the idea that intoxication can decrease productivity. (444) Yet, it is
unclear if this would qualify as evidence for amotivational syndrome. Arranging for a strike to
increase wages likely required motivation, organization, and drive. Making fewer chairs might
31
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
reflect lower motivation, but it more likely offers further evidence that intoxication impairs
performance.
In another study of chronic administration, researchers paid 30 men to stay in the hospital
for 94 days. They ingested no drugs for the first 11 days, used cannabis for the next 64, took a
break from the drug for a week, used daily for nine more days, and then did not use the last three.
They were paid for daily work on two different tasks. One required adding large numbers on a
calculator. The other required answering textbook questions. Participants received ten cents for
each correct answer on these two tasks. Acute intoxication and chronic exposure had no impact
on any measure of performance. The men showed statistically comparable total responses, total
correct responses, errors and time worked throughout the 94 day period.(135,136) These data
offer no support for amotivational syndrome.
In another detailed experiment, 20 young men lived in a hospital for three months. They
made belts for money, and used cannabis at various rates. The men were abstinent for certain
periods, and could use as much as they chose at other times. On some days, researchers required
that participants use a specific amount of cannabis, up to 30 mg of THC. Generally, the larger
doses briefly reduced productivity. The men made fewer belts on days when they were forced to
use high doses. People who used as much as they wanted initially performed more work than
people who were forced to use larger amounts. Participants reportedly disliked the mandatory
doses. Some even threatened to leave the experiment. However, over time, they developed
tolerance, minimizing any effects on productivity, and they did not show overt signs of
amotivational syndrome, including no decline in physical condition, personal hygiene, social
functioning, or intellectual abilities. These signs remained absent even on days when the men
made fewer belts.(96) Thus, the men in this study showed no symptoms of a motivational
disorder. When they were required to use large doses of cannabis, they showed an initial drop in
productivity, which quickly returned to normal.
The long -term studies discussed above offer little support for cannabis induced losses of
productivity. One standard way to manipulate motivation in the laboratory requires offering
extra cash for good performance on tasks. In one study of marijuana's effects, researchers
attempted to increase motivation and performance on simple tasks by offering financial
incentives. On a reaction -time task, intoxicated people did not respond to this incentive as
dramatically as the people who had not used cannabis. Offering extra money did not motivate
people to react more quickly while intoxicated, but it did speed reaction times for people who
were not intoxicated. The authors emphasize that this result offers little support for
amotivational syndrome. Instead, these data mean that intoxicated people do not react to
standard techniques for enhancing motivation. (5 3 8)
Two other studies performed in a residential laboratory revealed that intoxicated men
were less likely to perform tasks that they disliked. (221 -223) After using cannabis, these people
spent less time on work and chores and more time on recreational activities. Articles often refer
to these studies as evidence for amotivational syndrome. At worst, intoxication decreases a
person's willingness to work on unappealing projects, but this effect hardly parallels the apathy
typical of most definitions of amotivation. If these results qualify as evidence for amotivational
32
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
syndrome, then most psychoactive drugs could serve as a cause. In fact, anything that might
create procrastination, including watching television, could serve as a source of amotivation.
Intoxication can impair performance on some tasks in some conditions. Nevertheless, the
evidence lacks to prove clear amotivational syndrome. Many critics dismiss this laboratory
evidence as irrelevant due reasons like short duration of exposure, yet that is not the case and
there are other studies that demonstrate longer term exposure does not cause amotivation in
animals.(630) The term often implies a failure to achieve in life, not simple deficits on
laboratory tasks. To further test the role of cannabis in motivation, other investigators have
examined marijuana's correlation with educational and work performance. Impairments on these
life tasks appear more relevant to the idea of amotivational syndrome.
ii. Correlations with education and work do not support
amotivational syndrome in cannabis users
Surveys of associations between drug use and job or school activities lack the
experimental control found in the chronic administration studies. Investigators can only assume
that cannabis use causes poor performance at work or school. Alternative explanations remain
equally tenable. For example, poor adjustment in work or school might lead some people to use
cannabis. A third factor may account for the association, too. Depressed people might perform
poorly and choose to use cannabis. People with certain personality characteristics might choose
to use marijuana and make school or work a low priority. Thus, a simple association between
cannabis consumption and education or work does not prove that amotivational syndrome exists.
Nevertheless, the absence of an association between cannabis and achievement might undermine
arguments for cannabis- induced amotivation.
Parents and educators express understandable concern about marijuana, amotivational
syndrome, and schoolwork. Research has focused on academic achievement in college and
intoxicated school students. Contrary to popular belief, over half a dozen studies reveal that
cannabis users and nonusers have comparable grades in college. One typical report surveyed
1,400 undergraduates, revealing no differences between users and nonusers on grades, changes
in their majors, or number of colleges attended. Chronic users (those who used at least three
times a week for three years) took more time off from their schooling, but were also more likely
to plan to earn a graduate degree. (302)
Surprisingly, there is some evidence of improved academic performance in marijuana
users than in nonusers, although no one has ever proposed that cannabis could help school
performance.(239) Users and nonusers also show no differences in their orientations towards
achievement, their extracurricular activities, or their participation in sports. Thus, research on
college students provides no support for the idea of amotivational syndrome.(751)
Although cannabis consumption in college has no link to school performance, high
school students who use cannabis have lower grades and quit school more often. Cannabis users
in school also spend less time on their homework and miss more days of school.(347) At first
glance, this association between cannabis and school performance seems consistent with the idea
of amotivation. Perhaps cannabis destroys motivation in young teens, so an age restriction
33
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
would be appropriate. Yet, data do not support this restricted form of amotivational syndrome,
either. Most heavy users earned lower grades prior to their cannabis consumption, suggesting
that other factors besides cannabis might have caused the poorer performance. (621,622) For
example, high school students who use cannabis heavily also tend to use alcohol and other illicit
substances. These results suggest that drugs other than cannabis might lower grades.(276)
Cannabis alone probably does not cause poor school performance. Instead, the regular
consumption of cannabis in school serves as part of a general pattern of deviance. Heavy users
appear more unconventional in general. They are more critical of society, less involved in
church and school, and more involved in delinquent acts. They often behaved this way before
they ever discovered cannabis. (171) Because these young people showed these qualities before
using cannabis, the drug seems an unlikely cause of amotivational syndrome in high school
students. Thus, depressed, unmotivated, unconventional adolescents may choose to use
marijuana, but the drug does not appear to create their deviance. Nonetheless, the DEA should
apply age restrictions for the medical use of the cannabis.
Two contradictory attitudes have developed about marijuana's impact on job
performance. Many people believe the drug destroys motivation and detracts from efficiency,
yet others use the drug to enhance their work, which can be said in the case of many medical
cannabis users who continue working while suffering a debilitating illness because cannabis
helps.
The results seem to depend upon the type of job involved. People who perform
repetitive, simple tasks may turn to cannabis to relieve from painful jobs. For example, laborers
in India increased their ganja consumption 50 percent during the harvest season.(125) In
Jamaica, farm hands who used cannabis actually worked harder than those who did not.(137,515)
Perhaps marijuana makes monotonous physical labor more bearable. In contrast, jobs that
require complex or rapid decisions likely suffer during intoxication.(119) Thus, the acute effects
of cannabis on performance may vary dramatically with different jobs and the condition of the
user.
The enduring lack of initiative that defines amotivational syndrome requires more than
brief changes in work performance during intoxication. Wages, hours, and employment history
may serve as better indices of motivation on the job. Research performed in countries where
workers frequently use cannabis has shown little difference between heavy users, occasional
users, and abstainers. These groups had comparable forms of employment in Costa Rica and
Jamaica.(73,110)
In the United States, where cannabis consumption is less prevalent, the impact of the drug
on wages, hours, and job turnover still does not support the idea of amotivational syndrome.
Data actually suggest some positive links between cannabis consumption and work, but only for
adults. One survey of over 8,000 adults who held a variety of jobs showed higher wages with
increased use.(344) Other studies of employment histories and drug use reveal that marijuana
users do not appear to lose their jobs more often than nonusers, even though employers are more
likely to fire users of other illicit drugs.(494, 517)
34
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
iii. Summary for amotivational syndrome
Laboratory studies of humans and primates offer little support for amotivational
syndrome for cannabis users. Employment data show no links between cannabis use and lower
wages, poor work performance, or job turnover. School performance does not vary with
cannabis consumption in college students. High school students who use cannabis do worse in
school, but most performed poorly before they used cannabis, and many used other drugs that
likely contributed to their lower grades more than cannabis. Nonetheless, appropriate age
restrictions are necessary. Employment data show no links between cannabis use alone and
lower wages, poor work performance, or job turnover in adults.
Self reports in heavy users show that a percentage of people think cannabis affects their
motivation, but consumption of other drugs or the presence of physical and emotional problems
more likely are the cause of their lack of motivation. More importantly, these were not medical
users who clearly indicate a beneficial therapeutic experience when using cannabis for severe
medical conditions. Additionally, no studies show pervasive lethargy, dysphoria, and apathy
appear in all heavy users. Thus, the evidence for a cannabis- induced amotivational syndrome is
weak. Yet, a subset of depressed users may show the symptoms of amotivational
syndrome.(185) These people would likely benefit from cognitive- behavioral treatments for
depression, which can improve mood, motivation, and achievement.
B. Cannabis use has risks similar to other legal Schedule II substances
i. Overview
Amotivational syndrome is not the only social problem attributed to marijuana. The
drug's potential role in auto accidents has also generated considerable concern. In 1997, traffic
accidents in the U.S. numbered 16 million and caused 43,000 deaths. Comparable numbers of
crashes and fatalities have likely occurred in more recent years.(84) These statistics raise an
understandable concern about impaired driving. Many drugs can increase highway mishaps.
Alcohol is the most common and notorious cause of accidents. Common antidepressants,
antihistamines, and tranquilizers also reduce driving skill.(566)
Cannabis intoxication clearly alters thought and memory, leading many researchers to
investigate its role in highway fatalities. Data supports that marijuana does not significantly
contribute to accidents.(413, 669) Research on cannabis and traffic safety relies on two
approaches: epidemiological studies of crashes and laboratory experiments with intoxicated
drivers. In general, studies reveal that marijuana has no effect on culpability for fatal crashes if a
driver's age and blood alcohol concentration are taken into account. There is no data regarding
whether marijuana intoxication increases the chances of other more minor accidents. Regardless,
driving while intoxicated is never acceptable and cannot be tolerated.
Laboratory experiments using driving simulators and actual performance on the road
reveal that motorists intoxicated with cannabis compensate for the drug's cognitive effects. They
drive more slowly, leave more space between cars, and take fewer risks. Nevertheless,
dangerous situations might require rapid responses to avoid an accident, and recent work reveals
35
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
that the combination of alcohol and cannabis can meaningfully increase driving problems. Given
marijuana's proven ability to impair attention and rapid responses, users must avoid driving
while intoxicated. (485) Driving after consuming alcohol, particularly in combination with
cannabis or any other drug, legal or illegal, even antihistamines, is extremely dangerous and ill
advised. These risks are similar to other Schedule II drugs.
ii. Epidemiological studies
Nearly a dozen studies from all around the globe report the frequent presence of THC in
the bloodstreams of motorists involved in accidents that caused death or injury. It is important to
note that depending on the study, as many as 84 percent of these users were intoxicated with
alcohol at the time. Ethanol's detrimental effect on driving is well established, and seems the
most parsimonious explanation for these mishaps.
For example, data from over 1,000 drivers involved in fatal accidents in Australia
revealed that cannabis was present in 11 percent of them. Ratings of the accident reports
revealed that drivers who had consumed alcohol or the combination of alcohol and cannabis
were culpable more often than drivers who were free of drugs.(181).
Curiously, many studies of cannabis and traffic safety found that the odds of causing
death or injury were slightly lower in cannabis users than in people who had not consumed
drugs.(41) For example, the study of Australian motorists mentioned above showed that users of
cannabis were 30 percent less likely to cause accidents as drivers who had not used any drug. A
study of over 300 drivers involved in fatal crashes in California focused on motorists who tested
positive for cannabis but no other drug. Unexpectedly, they were half as likely to be responsible
for accidents as those who were free of substances. (730) Another investigation of over 1,800
fatal crashes in the U.S. found that drivers who used only cannabis were 70 percent as likely to
have caused an accident as the drug -free group.(680)
Although, driving while intoxicated on any psychoactive substance is a problem, none of
these estimates revealed statistically significant increases in causes of accidents as a result of
using cannabis alone. Nevertheless, as the next section discusses, the consistency of these results
raises interesting questions in which laboratory research provides a potential explanation.
iii. Laboratory experiments
Another approach to answering questions about cannabis and traffic safety involves
randomly assigning motorists to ingest THC or placebo before driving. This approach has
several advantages over epidemiological work. Critics might argue that epidemiological studies
of THC's presence in crashes may create a confounding bias. They assert that people who
choose to use marijuana and drive may be more disinhibited than those who do not drive during
cannabis intoxication. Thus, any epidemiological evidence for elevated THC rates in drivers
involved with accidents may simply reflect an underlying driving deficit correlated with the
propensity to use cannabis before operating a motor vehicle.
Laboratory experiments can bypass this problem in two ways. First, researchers can
randomly assign drivers to receive cannabis or placebo. This arrangement ensures that good and
bad drivers are equally likely to end up in the group that uses marijuana before driving. Random
36
.1
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
assignment assures that any identified deficits arise from intoxication rather than a biased
sample. In an alternative approach, participants drive once after using a placebo and again after
using cannabis. This technique, known as a within- subjects design, ensures that all the people
drive both intoxicated and sober. Then, investigators can compare each individual's
performance while intoxicated to his or her own performance in the absence of the drug. Again,
under these circumstances, any identified impairment must stem from intoxication. Thus,
laboratory experiments rule out alternative explanations for marijuana's impact on driving (and
provide a safe laboratory environment for the test).
A review of over a dozen of these experiments reveals three findings. First, after using
marijuana, people drive more slowly. In addition, they increase the distance between their cars
and the car in front of them. Third, they are less likely to attempt to pass other vehicles on the
road. All of these practices can decrease the chance of crashes and certainly limit the probability
of injury or death if an accident does occur. These three habits may explain the slightly lower
risk of accidents that appears in the epidemiological studies. These results contrast dramatically
to those found for alcohol. Alcohol intoxication often increases speed and passing while
decreasing following distance, and markedly raises the chance of crashes.(632)
Additional work has confirmed these effects.(555,556) One recent, comprehensive paper
reported four different experiments examining the impact of THC and alcohol alone and in
combination. (5 55) Men and women used cannabis containing zero, 100, 200, or 300
micrograms of THC per kilogram of body weight. The active doses correspond to approximately
one -half, one, or one and -a -half of a cannabis dose for a 150 pound person. Participants drank
placebos or enough alcohol to maintain breath alcohol concentrations of approximately .04
percent (this dose corresponds approximately to drinking two beers quickly on an empty stomach
for a 150 pound man). Participants then drove in different places on separate occasions,
including a deserted stretch of road, in regular highway traffic, and on city streets. A driving
instructor in a specially equipped training car, sat beside them, rating their performance (a
second wheel and controls allowed the instructor to drive if needed). These studies have
advantages over research that employs driving simulators because performance in a real car in
regular traffic likely better generalizes to other driving situations.
In other tests, participants performed two different driving tasks. One task, the road
tracking test, simply involved maintaining a constant speed of 90 kilometers (roughly 55 miles)
per hour and staying within a designated lane.(556) The other task, the car following test,
involved maintaining a constant distance behind a vehicle that altered its speed and acceleration.
Marijuana produced two consistent effects. First, the drug significantly increased lateral
movement within the traffic lane. That is, participants' cars weaved from side to side within the
lane more after using cannabis than placebo. Second, cannabis caused drivers to increase their
distance from the vehicle in front of them during the car following test. Marijuana did not alter
any other way that the drivers handled the vehicle, maneuvered through traffic, or turned the car.
In contrast, alcohol not only increased lateral movement in the lane, it also impaired vehicle
handling and maneuvers. The two drugs combined produced the most impairment.(556)
Thus, although traffic accidents kill thousands each year and driving while intoxicated
with cannabis is not tolerable, its role alone in reckless driving is markedly smaller than once
37
91
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
believed. Epidemiological research reveals that those who test positive for cannabis and no other
drug do not cause accidents any more often than people who are drug free. Laboratory research
shows that cannabis intoxication increases lateral motion within the traffic lane but does not
impair handling, maneuvering, or turning. Obviously, no one should operate dangerous
machinery of any kind under the influence of cannabis or other psychoactive drugs.
Nevertheless, the impact of cannabis alone on reckless driving appears extremely small.
Although traffic fatalities remain a serious social problem, cannabis use alone does not appear to
be a significant causative factor.
C. Cannabis use does not increase aggression
i. Overview
In addition to concerns about loss of motivation and reckless driving, many people fear
that cannabis intoxication can lead to hostility. Summaries of studies on marijuana and
aggression may reveal these biases more than any other area of research. Interpretations of this
literature are incredibly disparate. One author's evidence for marijuana's connection to violence
serves as another author's proof that the drug does not cause aggression.
An interpretation of a study of murderers illustrates this point. In this research,
interviews with 268 incarcerated murderers revealed that 72 of them had used cannabis within a
day of the homicide. Of these 72, 18 claimed that marijuana contributed to the murder in some
way. Fifteen of these 18 were intoxicated with other drugs at the time.(643) The researchers
reported these facts clearly, but interpretations of their meaning vary dramatically. One review
cites this study as an example of cannabis leading to violence.(667) Another uses it as an
illustration of the rarity of cannabis- induced hostility, emphasizing how other drugs account for
the relationship between cannabis and aggression.(751) Thus, any interpretations of data from
this field require a close reading of the original studies.
People have assumed drugs lead to violence at least since the seventeenth century, and
certainly intoxication, withdrawal, and chronic use of alcohol and stimulants clearly increase
aggressive acts.(358) Despite evidence for increased aggression that is otherwise associated with
other drugs, the vast majority of work shows that cannabis does not induce hostility. This
research includes the standard series of case studies, correlational reports, and laboratory
experiments.
Each of these research approaches has strengths and weaknesses, but the general
conclusions remain the same: direct links between cannabis intoxication and violence do not
appear in the general population. A few studies show correlations between marijuana
consumption and violent acts, but these links frequently stem from personality characteristics or
the use of other drugs. People who are violent or who use drugs that lead to violence often also
use cannabis, but it is not clear that the cannabis use causes the violence.
Laboratory studies also find no link between THC intoxication and violence. Most
people who ingest THC before performing a competitive task in the laboratory do not show more
aggression than people who receive placebos; occasionally they show decreased hostility.
Numerous scientific panels sponsored by various governments invariably report that marijuana
does not lead to violence. (75 1)
92
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
U. Historical precedent
Cannabis use dates back more than a thousand years. There have been many differing
reports about cannabis throughout history, some supportive of its medical use, and some reports
have focused on its negative, or in most cases, perceived negative side- effects.(114) Harry
Anslinger, the first head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, cited the negative history as
evidence of marijuana- induced aggression.(69) Modern authors still suggest that the drug leads
to hostility.(613) It is clear that this misunderstanding stems from biases and poor interpretations
of history and individual case studies.
Some of the most sensationalistic case studies came from the Bureau of Narcotics in the
1930s that told of users who committed heinous crimes. Many times the details did not reveal if
the crime actually occurred during marijuana intoxication or some other issue. Yet, some
focused on marijuana's link to violence. A classic example concerned a Florida murder case
from 1933. Initial newspaper reports attributed the murders to the drug, and Harry Anslinger
used the case as an example for many years. Despite these reports of this event, further
investigation revealed that the murderer suffered from a serious psychotic, mental illness, and
many members of his family also struggled with psychotic disorders. He may have had a history
of violence prior to his drug use, yet none of these possibilities appeared in press.(350) A close
look at another case study that the Bureau of Narcotics frequently cited revealed that the criminal
had claimed to use marijuana when, in fact, he had not.(80)
X. Crime
A more scientific way to investigate marijuana's alleged link to violence appeared in
studies of crime rates. Researchers have looked for an association between violent crime and
cannabis consumption for at least 70 years. This association does not prove that marijuana
causes aggression, but any theory linking cannabis and violence would suggest that the two
should covary. Early studies of military personnel, arrestees, and patients in mental hospitals
revealed no relationship between cannabis and violent crime.
One typical study examined rates of aggressive crime in military prisoners. Marijuana
users were no more likely to commit crimes of violence than nonusers.(79) Some studies
revealed fewer antisocial behaviors in cannabis users than in users of other drugs.(2) Later
research confirmed these findings. For example, a study of 109 delinquent juveniles revealed
that violent offenses had no link with cannabis consumption, but significant associations with
cocaine and amphetamine use.(627)
A few recent studies reported small but statistically significant associations between
marijuana consumption and violence in select groups of adolescents. Yet, the effects were
extremely small, meaning that the amount of violence increased only a little as the amount of
cannabis consumption increased a lot. (Correlations were approximately .20 and only reached
statistical significance because of the large sample sizes). These studies asked teens about their
marijuana use as well as the frequency of their aggressive acts, but failed to assess if they were
intoxicated when they were hostile. Thus, they alone do not support the idea that cannabis
causes violence. Instead, a subset of teens may choose both to use marijuana and behave
aggressively because of an underlying personality characteristic or tendency.(1, 665, 725, 726)
People who have trouble inhibiting themselves might engage in both cannabis consumption and
Wei
93
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
violent behavior, yet neither one caused the other. The use of other drugs, including alcohol,
may be a more likely explanation for the aggression. In fact, when one group of researchers
included previous violence and alcohol consumption in their analyses, the links between
marijuana and aggression disappeared. (725)
Other studies suggest that these small links between cannabis consumption and hostility
do not mean that marijuana intoxication leads to aggression. For example, a group of
adolescents charged with violent crimes reported that cannabis was likely to decrease
aggressiveness. (68 5) Less than four percent of people report that they think marijuana makes
them angry or hostile.(272, 608) Research participants have lower scores on questionnaires
designed to assess hostility, anger, and aggressiveness if they answer after using cannabis.(2)
Yet, some of the most compelling evidence that the drug does not increase hostility stems from
laboratory work that actually measures belligerent behavior.
iv. Laboratory research
A sophisticated way to examine marijuana's impact on aggression requires providing
THC to participants in the laboratory. Few people behave in a hostile fashion in a formal setting,
so most studies provoke participants to see if they will aggress in response. A popular paradigm
uses a competitive game. The participant competes against an opponent to provide a faster,
correct response. The winner of each trial can give the loser a mild electric shock. (A later
version of the task allows the winner to take money or points from the loser). In fact, the
opponent is bogus and the results are fixed. The participant loses a specified number of times.
The experimenter makes it seem as if the opponent provides increasing or heavy penalties in an
effort to provoke aggression. This paradigm may seem an absurd analogue to hostile interactions
in everyday life, yet former prisoners with histories of aggressive acts do behave more
aggressively in this game. Frustration, drug withdrawal, and other conditions that should
increase violence also increase aggression in the game.(124) Laboratory studies using this
paradigm find that marijuana intoxication rarely heightens hostile responses. Participants gave
stronger shocks when intoxicated with alcohol, but THC had no impact. A high dose of THC
actually lowered aggression, despite the provocation inherent in the task.(472, 679) These
results suggest that cannabis intoxication does not increase aggression in a normal population.
v. Conclusion: cannabis alone does not cause aggression
Cannabis intoxication does not lead to aggression in the general population. Self reports
of experienced users suggest that the drug makes them feel calm rather than hostile and
unfriendly. History and research on crime reveals little impact of cannabis on violence. The vast
majority of laboratory research shows that cannabis intoxication does not increase hostility and
action. Associations between cannabis and aggression arise in small subsets of the population,
usually involving individuals experiencing other unrelated co- occurring conditions. The drug's
general absence of an impact on hostility has led every major commission report to conclude that
cannabis does not increase aggression.
M
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
A Conclusions on public health factor
Some have concerns that cannabis creates meaningful social problems, including
amotivational syndrome, reckless driving, and aggression. However, research in each of these
domains reveals that these concerns are unfounded. Evidence for a cannabis induced
amotivational syndrome is lacking. A subset of depressed users may have inspired a few case
studies that report apathy, indifference, and dysphoria, but cannabis likely does not cause these
symptoms. The drug does not correlate with low grades in college students. High school
students who use marijuana have lower grades, but their poor school performance occurred prior
to their consumption of cannabis. Cannabis users do not show worse performance on the job,
more frequent unemployment, or lower wages. In addition, long -term exposure to cannabis in
the laboratory fails to show any meaningful or consistent impact on productivity.
Clearly, no one should drive while intoxicated. Yet links between cannabis use and
reckless driving are weak, and usually stem from co- occurring alcohol consumption. People
with THC but no alcohol in their blood do not have higher rates of culpability for traffic
accidents than drug -free drivers. Laboratory experiments that administer THC and placebo to
motorists reveal an increased weaving within the lane that accompanies intoxication. Yet, these
drivers also spontaneously slow their speed, increase their following distance, and rarely attempt
to pass other cars. In contrast, alcohol, even at relatively low doses, clearly impairs driving.
The association between cannabis intoxication and aggression is also unlikely. Most
studies of violent crime show no link to marijuana use or small correlations that suggest a few
aggressive people also happen to use cannabis. Laboratory research on general samples shows
no increases in aggression during intoxication. Concerns about productivity, impaired driving,
and hostility are certainly important, but restricting marijuana consumption seems to have little
impact on these social problems.
41
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Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
CONCLUSION AND POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The United States Justice Department remains committed to the enforcement of the
Controlled Substances Act. Because the department "is also committed to making efficient and
rational use of its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources," and must appropriately
reclassify drug substances when medical and scientific evidence requires as presented in this
report, the DEA after the FDA scientific review, following the eight- factor analysis and evidence
presented here, should reclassify cannabis as a Schedule II substance.(682)
The Obama administration has acknowledged the "compassionate use" that some states'
electorates have provided for. While cannabis is not a benign drug, mounting scientific evidence
and consensus of medical opinion support rescheduling to Schedule II, the most highly regulated
schedule.
Some very ill people have had very difficult times finding safe and reliable sources, and
some have had to fight long court battles to defend themselves for the use of a compound that
irrefutably works to help relieve painful symptoms from serious illnesses like treatment for
HIV /AIDS wasting syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's
disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
On multiple occasions the DEA has studied the medicinal properties of cannabis. A DEA
Administrative Law Judge concluded that, "the evidence clearly shows that marijuana is capable
of relieving the distress of great numbers of very ill people, and doing so with safety under
medical supervision... it would be unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for the DEA to continue
to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance. "(40) However, the DEA
overruled the opinion, and then denied two subsequent petitions despite the mounting scientific
evidence. Since the last FDA review in 2006, the scientific process has identified and clarified
even more of the therapeutic effects of cannabis through ongoing research and assessment of
available data. This petition presents this further evidence. It is now time for the DEA to
reschedule the substance.
There are other possible futures and ways to make the medicinal use of cannabis viable
for patients in need while addressing public health issues. Concerns are often raised about lack
of quality control in using medicinal cannabis, including lack of dosing paradigms, safe methods
of use, and inability to safely access cannabis. One possible future would be to allow for the
legal, regulated growth of cannabis for medicinal use. It is now a relatively easy and affordable
task to use DNA analysis via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis testing to
provide an extremely accurate characterization of a plant's genetic make -up. Accurate analytical
kits are available that would make this accessible to even small scale farmers. These techniques
would also foster the creation of unique genetic hybrids grown specifically to maximize
therapeutic medicinal potential.
At the pharmacy level it is now possible to easily and inexpensively perform quantitative
analysis to identify the levels of cannabinoids, including chemical and physical properties, such
as chemical reactivity, solubility, molecular weight, melting point, etc. via techniques such as gas
42
M
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC -MS), mass selective detectors (MSD), operating in
either electron ionization (EI) or negative -ion chemical ionization (NICI) mode. These methods
are fully validated, and the validated parameters included linearity, selectivity, accuracy,
precision, and extraction efficiency. Thus cannabis plants could be grown under controlled
settings, with harvesting of the flowers, which after proper drying, would be quantitatively
evaluated for specific cannabinoid levels.
These dried, cured flowers would then go to a compounding pharmacist. Pharmaceutical
compounding is a longstanding traditional role for pharmacists. It is a process by which a
pharmacist combines ingredients into a customized medication for an individual patient.
Compounding is now increasingly offered by community pharmacies as a specialized service.
Studies have shown that pharmacists providing compounding reported that this has increased the
quality of pharmaceuticals and improves collaboration between the patient, physician, and
pharmacist, while empowering the patient and improving professional satisfaction of the
physician and pharmacist. (422) This would allow safe access to a medicine with proven efficacy
and acceptable safety, in a manner that does not endanger the patient and allows for reasonable
regulatory oversight.
The evidence presented in this report proves the addiction, dependence, abuse and misuse
potential are all low compared with other Schedule 11 drugs. Like other controlled substances in
schedule 11 or 111, the public health concerns remain, but none that outweigh the fact that
cannabis is a medically acceptable drug for patients with serious conditions. Cannabis does not
present a potential for abuse to justify remaining a Schedule I substance. It remains that no one
should drive a vehicle intoxicated, and children should not use cannabis both statements are
true for almost all other Schedule 11 substances. There are well researched accepted medical
uses; there are ways to safely administer the drug; and, there are effective non smoking methods
like vaporization, oral ingestion or topical application. The DEA and FDA should use this rule
making process to clarify appropriate use standards, including age restrictions.
The National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine perhaps sums it up best (715):
"Marijuana is not, to be sure, a completely benign substance. It is a powerful drug that affects
the body and mind in a variety of ways. However, except for the damage caused by smoking
[which this petition clearly describes non smoking methods for medical use], its adverse effects
resemble those of many approved medications." [Italics added]
Current federal rules preclude the adoption of reasonable and workable frameworks for
providing access to patients while maintaining the ability of law enforcement agencies to address
non medical /illegal distribution and use of cannabis. The situation has become untenable. The
solution lies with the federal government. The DEA should initiate rulemaking proceedings to
reclassify medical cannabis as a Schedule 11 drug so qualifying patients who follow law may
obtain the medication they need through the traditional and safe method of physician prescribing
and pharmacy dispensing.
43
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
750. Zias, J., Stark, H., Seligman, J., Levy, R., Werker, E., Breur, A., and Mechoulam, R. (1993).
Early medical use of cannabis. Nature, 363, 215.
751. Zimmer, L. Morgan, J. P. (1997). Marijuana myths marijuana facts. New York: The
Lindesmith Center.
752. Zimmerman, A. M., Zimmerman, S. Raj, A. Y. (1979). Effects of cannabinoids on
spermatogenesis in mice. In G. G. Nahas and W. D. M. Paton (Eds.). Marijuana: Biological
effects, analysis, metabolism, cellular responses, reproduction, and brain (pp. 407 -418). New
York: Pergamon.
753. Zinberg, N. E. (1984). Drug set and setting: The basis for controlled intoxicant use. New
Haven: Yale University.
754. Zuardi, A. W., Cosine, R. A., Graeff, F. G. Guimaraes, F. S. (1993). Effects of ipsapirone
and cannabidiol on human experimental anxiety. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 7, 82 -88.
755. Zvolensky MJ, Cougle JR, Bonn Miller MO, Norberg MM, Johnson K, Kosiba J,
Asmundson GJ. Chronic Pain and Marijuana Use among a Nationally Representative Sample of
Adults. Am J Addict 2011; 20(6):538 -542.
756. Zwerling, C., Ryan, J. Orav, E. J. (1990). The efficacy of preemployment drug screening
for marijuana and cocaine in predicting employment outcomes. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 264, 2639 -2643.
i Gregory T. Carter, MD, MS
Dr. Carter is medical director of the Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) and Hospice/Palliative Care Programs for
Providence Health System, Southwest Washington. He earned a Doctor of Medicine from Loyola University
Chicago. He completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM &R) residency and Neuromuscular Disease
(NMD) research fellowship at the University of California, Davis (UCD), where he also earned a Masters degree in
Physiology.
His research has focused on the relationships between chronic pain, quality of life, and physical function in
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other NMDs. He has authored over 150 peer- reviewed papers, publishing
the first article on cannabis as a treatment for ALS. He is past recipient of the Best Research Paper Award from the
American Academy of PM &R and the Excellence in Research Writing Award from the Association of Academic
Physiatrists, as well as the Excellence in Clinic Care Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
He maintains clinical faculty appointments at the University of Washington and UCD Schools of Medicine. He is a
diplomat of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Neuromuscular Medicine subspecialty
of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (founding member), and the American Board of
Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
NQ
Exhibit B: Statement of Grounds
ii Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University at Albany, State University of New
York, where he teaches courses on drugs and human behavior, substance abuse treatment, and clinical research
methods.
He received his Bachelor's degree from Columbia University and his Ph.D. from Indiana University. He joined the
faculty at the University of Southern California for 14 years before moving to Albany in 2005.
He has received 20 teaching commendations, including the coveted General Education Teaching Award from the
University of Southern California and the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching from the State University
of New York system. He has over 100 publications on personality, motivation, and substance abuse.
iii Jason T. McGill, JD
Mr. McGill is the Executive Policy Advisor for Health Care for Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire's
Executive Policy Office. He is a lifelong Washingtonian and earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Business
Administration and a law degree from Seattle University, with a focus in health law. He later earned an executive
management certificate from the University of Washington, Evans School of Public Affairs.
He worked in private law practice for several years before joining the Washington State Attorney General's Office
where he was lead counsel and represented the healthcare related programs of the state Department of Labor and
Industries. He became the Medical Administrator for the Department of Labor and Industries. In that capacity he
was an Executive Management Team member and responsible for setting strategic vision, management of nursing
and healthcare policy staff in partnership with the Medical Director and Associate Medical Directors of the agency.
w e
100
UM
i
Washington State Legislature
January 26, 2012
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
Attn: Administrator
8701 Morrissette Drive
Springfield, VA 22152
Subject: Rulemaking petition to reclassify cannabis for medical use from a
Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule H
Dear Administrator Leonhart:
We write in support of the petition that Governor Chafee and Governor Gregoire recently submitted
to initiate rulemaking proceedings for the reclassification of medical cannabis (also known as
marijuana) from Schedule I to Schedule II of the CSA.
We are also concerned that qualifying patients with serious medical conditions who could benefit
from medical use of cannabis do not have a safe and consistent source of their medicine that has
been recommended by a licensed health care professional in our state. The divergence in state and
federal law creates a situation where there is no regulated and safe system to supply legitimate
patients who may need medical cannabis. More to the point, it is clear that the long- standing
classification of medical use of cannabis in the United States as an illegal Schedule I substance is
fundamentally flawed and should be changed. The federal government could quickly solve the
issue if it were to reclassify cannabis for medical use from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule II drug
so that it can be prescribed, which we believe the petition provides substantiated peer- reviewed
scientific evidence to support.
The solution lies ultimately with the federal government. We urge the DEA to initiate rulemaking
proceedings to reclassify medical cannabis as a Schedule II drug so qualifying patients who follow
state law may obtain the medication they need through the traditional and safe method of physician
prescribing and pharmacy dispensing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
0�(z Wze1
Senator Jeanne Kohl Welles
Washington State Senate 36 District
Legislative Building Olympia, VGA 98504 -0482
IB
101
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Washington State Legislature
Senator Karen Keiser
Washington State Senate 33` District
Representative Roger Goodman
Washington State House of Representatives 45 District
Senator Rodney Tom
Washington State Senate 48 District
7ow.-e. _C I f
Representative Dave Upthegrove
Washington State House of Representatives 33` District
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon
Washington State House of Representatives 34 District
Senator Maralyn Chase
Washington State Senate 32 District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
102
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration 18
January 26, 2012
Page 2
Washington State Legislature
6
Representative Jim Moeller
Washington State House of Representatives 49" District
Senator David Frockt
Washington State Senate 46 District
4
Representative Paul Harris
Washington State House of Representatives 17 District
Senator Margarita Prentice
Washington State Senate 11 District
Senator Nick Harper
Washington State Senate 38 District
Representative Timm Ormsby
Washington State House of Representatives 3` District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration 78
January 26, 2012
Page 3
103
Washington State Legislature
Representative John McCoy
Washington State House of Representatives 38 District
i-kUa--C(
Representative Andy Billig
Washington State House of Representatives 3 District
Representative Sherry Appleton
Washington State House of Representatives 23 District
Senator Sharon Nelson
Washington State Senate 34 District
Senator Ed Murray
Washington State Senate 43 District
cw�.vW"
Representative Marcie Maxwell
Washington State House of Representatives 41" District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
104 Drug Enforcement Administration 18
January 26, 2012
Page 4
Washington State Legislature
Representative Jeannie Darneille
Washington State House of Representatives 27 District
Senator Debbie Regala
Washington State Senate 27 District
Representative Jamie Pedersen
Washington State House of Representatives 43 District
0/0 fl I
Representative Chris Reykdal
Washington State House of Representatives 22 "d District
Senator Steve Conway
Washington State Senate 29 District
Senator Andy Hill
Washington State Senate 45 District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration
January 26, 2012
Page 5
105
Washington State Legislature
'Aftw
Representative Sam Hunt
Washington State House of Representatives 22 District
Representative Steve Tharinger
Washington State House of Representatives 24 District
Senator Steve Litzow
Washington State Senate 41 District
r
Representative Gerry Pollet
Washington State House of Representatives 46" District
29�AAf 6?�V�
Representative Mary Lou Dickerson
Washington State House of Representatives 36 District
DA 0900
Representative Laurie Jinkins
Washington State House of Representatives 27 District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration 18
January 26, 2012
Page 6
106
0
hington State Legislature
Representative Deborah Eddy
Washington State House of Representatives 48 District
Senator Adam Kline
Washington State Senate 37 District
/U R
s
Representative Cindy Ryu
Washington State House of Representatives 32 District
Representative Eileen Cody
Washington State House of Representatives 34 District
Representative Judy Clibborn
Washington State House of Representatives 41 District
Representative Cary Condotta
Washington State House of Representatives 12 District
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration 0 ,s
January 26, 2012
Page 7 107
e �c
Washington State Legislature
P
Representative Luis Moscoso
Washington State House of Representatives —1 District
Senator Karen Fraser
Washington State Senate 22" District
Ape
Senator Joe Fain
Washington State Senate 47 District
Senator Cheryl Pflug
Washington State Senate 5 District
Senabr Jerome Delvin
Washington State Senate 8 District
cc: The Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States
The Honorable Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health Human Services
The Honorable Margaret Hamburg, M.D., FDA Commissioner
The Honorable Chris Gregoire, Governor, State of Washington
Legislative Building Olympia, WA 98504 -0482
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration ,a
January 26, 2012
Page 8
1:
S- 4083.2
SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 8017
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State of Washington 62nd Legislature 2012 Regular Session
By Senators Kohl Welles, Keiser, Murray, Delvin, Conway, Pflug, Tom,
Regala, Fain, Fraser, and Kline
Read first time 01/26/12. Referred to Committee on Health Long -Term
Care.
TO THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AND TO MICHELE LEONHART,
ADMINISTRATOR, UNITED STATES DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION:
We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of
the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully
represent and petition as follows:
WHEREAS, Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted
laws permitting the medical use of marijuana. However, federal law
continues to classify marijuana as a drug for which there is no medical
use; and
WHEREAS, The divergence in state and federal law creates a
situation where there is no regulated and safe system to supply
legitimate patients who may need medical cannabis. It is clear that
the long- standing classification of medical use of cannabis in the
United States as an illegal Schedule I substance is fundamentally
flawed and should be changed; and
WHEREAS, Governor Chafee and Governor Gregoire recently submitted
P. 1 SJM 8017
109
1 a petition to initiate rule making proceedings for the reclassification
2 of medical cannabis (also known as marijuana) from Schedule I to
3 Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act;
4 NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists write in support of Governor
5 Chafee and Governor Gregoire's petition and respectfully pray that the
6 Drug Enforcement Administration initiate rule making proceedings to
7 reclassify medical marijuana as a Schedule II drug so qualifying
8 patients who follow state law may obtain the medication they need
9 through the traditional and safe method of physician prescribing and
10 pharmacy dispensing.
11 BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately
12 transmitted to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United
13 States, Michele Leonhart, Administrator of the United States Drug
14 Enforcement Administration, the President of the United States Senate,
15 the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of
16 Congress from the State of Washington.
END
SJM 8017 p. 2
110
a /A
&WC
ASSOCIATION
OF WASHINGTON
CCiiiE'-j
January 26, 2012
Michele Leonhart, Administrator
Attn: Administrator
8701 Morrissette Drive
Springfield, VA 22152
1076 Franklin St. SE Olympia, WA 98501 -1346
(360) 753 -4137 Toll Free: 1- 800 562 -8981 Fax: (360) 753 -0149
9 1 1 _._o gl
Subject: Rulemaking petition to reclassify cannabis for medical use from a Schedule I controlled
substance to a Schedule H
Dear Administrator Leonhart:
We write in support of the petition that Governor Gregoire and Governor Chafee recently submitted to initiate
rulemaking proceedings for the reclassification of medical cannabis (also known as marijuana) from Schedule I
to Schedule II of the CSA.
As Mayors responsible for upholding the laws of our community, state and federal government, we need
resolution regarding the legality of medical cannabis. We are caught in the middle of the desire expressed by
the residents of our state to see cannabis available for medical use and the federal government's absolute
inflexibility in regards to the medical benefits of cannabis. It is an untenable situation for our communities and
has cost our cities significant time and resources to address.
We sympathize with patients suffering from serious medical conditions who could benefit from medical use of
cannabis and do not have a safe and consistent source of the drug. The divergence in state and federal law
creates a situation where there is no regulated and safe system to supply legitimate patients who may need
medical cannabis. The federal government could quickly solve the issue if it reclassified cannabis for medical
use from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule II drug, which we believe the petition provides substantiated peer
reviewed scientific evidence to support.
The solution lies with the federal government. We urge the DEA to immediately initiate rulemaking proceedings
to reclassify medical cannabis as a Schedule II drug so qualifying patients who follow state law may obtain the
medication they need through the traditional and safe method of physician prescribing and pharmacy
dispensing.
This letter reflects the support of those cities who have signed and not all cities within the State of Washington.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lisa Walters Craig eorge Y Carrie Lacher
Mayor, City of Battle Ground Mayor, City of Dayton Mayor, Town of Friday Harbor
��li
Oar are Wao ave Earng Ava Frisinger
Mayor, City of Covington Mayor, City of Edmonds Mayor, City of Issaquah
111
C5
Suz Cooke
Mayor, City of Kent
o e
Mayor, City of Kettle Falls
oe Marine
Mayor, City of Mukilteo
io
ayor, M City- bf'Pullman
f
hn ar tin
ayor, City of Redmond
Wie An
d on Mayor, City of Sedro Woolley
Mari yn Rd
Mayor, City of Tacoma
X-"t-
Pete Kmet
Mayor, City of Tumwater
cc: The Honorable Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Honorable Margaret Hamburg, M.D., FDA Commissioner
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6we"M
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUBURBAN CITIES ASSOCIATION
IN SUPPORT OF RECLASSIFYING CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL USE FROM
A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TO A SCHEDULE II
WHEREAS the voters of the State of Washington approved Initiative 692 in 1998, the
stated purpose of which was to permit the use of marijuana for patients who had
debilitating or terminal illnesses; and
WHEREAS possession of marijuana /cannabis remains unlawful under federal law, and
marijuana /cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning
that according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and therefore may not be
prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use; and
WHEREAS this conflict between state and federal law has placed the cities of King
County in an untenable situation, and has created both public safety and land use
regulation challenges for cities; and
WHEREAS the Washington State Medical Association and the Washington State
Pharmacy and other institutions support reclassification of marijuana /cannabis; and
WHEREAS Governor Gregoire has filed a petition with the DEA seeking to initiate
rulemaking proceedings to reclassify medical marijuana/cannabis as a Schedule II
controlled substance, backed by substantiated peer- reviewed scientific evidence; and
WHEREAS reclassification of medical marijuana /cannabis would allow qualified
patients to obtain medication through the traditional and safe method of physician
prescribing and pharmacy dispensing; and
WHEREAS such a system would remove legal ambiguities, and remove substantial law
enforcement and regulatory burdens from cities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Suburban Cities Association supports
reclassification of marijuana/cannabis as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled
Substances Act, and urges the DEA to initiate rulemaking proceedings to reclassify
marijuana /cannabis.
Dated this Day of 1 2012.
On behalf of Suburban Cities Association
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