Feds Keep Marijuana On Banned Drug List
By David Madden
LODI, NJ (CBS) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration has opted to keep marijuana on its "schedule one" list, which bars research on the medicinal benefits of the plant. It's a blow to those seeking to legalize marijuana across America.
"About half of the states have chosen to either legalize adult use or medical marijuana," Evan Nison, Executive Director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) New Jersey told KYW Newsradio.
"Yet the DEA, which is supposed to rely on scientific evidence, has chosen to ignore all of the scientific literature."
The DEA announced its decision in a press release, saying marijuana "does not meet the criteria for currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."
The agency also cites a "high potential for abuse."
Nison says the decision, which he suggested keeps America in the "dark ages," will not deter his group's efforts for full legalization.
"Today is not worse than yesterday," he said. "There's just not improvement, which is a disappointment because a majority of Americans support full legalization."
The tri-state area allows for medical marijuana, and there's talk of legalizing recreational use in New Jersey, although it won't get by the Governor.
The DEA did announce one change. They'll allow more agencies to sign up as researchers that can legally grow and test the plant. Right now, only the University of Mississippi can do that.