Marijuana research and studies have been decided by the United States government in the previous months. This is a response to a 2011 petition submitted by two former state governors who urged federal agencies to re-classify marijuana as a drug with medical uses. Two anonymous sources confirmed that the US government will be discussing whether or not to allow further studies on marijuana.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has reportedly sent emails to parties who had expressed interest on the matter. In the email reviewed by Reuters, the DEA said that they will be making important announcements regarding marijuana-related topics, reportedly. However, the US government has rejected requests to relax the classification of marijuana as dangerous and highly addictive with no medical use.
The sources revealed that the federal government would pave the way for increased marijuana research. President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Kevin Sabet, believes that the act shows that the federal government is flexible on legitimate research. However, the government is nowhere near to wanting the legalization of marijuana according to Sabet.
Cannabis advocates have long argued that labeling marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs under the Controlled Substances Act has limited the supply available for research. Today, the DEA only allows the use of marijuana for federally sanctioned research. The studies are only cultivated at a garden at the University of Mississippi, which is overseen by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration did not give an immediate response to the requests for comment. For decades, marijuana has been classified as a "Schedule I" drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The government has repeatedly rejected appeals to reclassify marijuana over the years.
Marijuana is currently legalized in 23 states and the District of Columbia according to the Drug Policy Alliance advocacy group, Voice Of America reported. Proposals for medical and recreational use of marijuana are headed to the 2016 ballots in California and eight other states.Watch video about Marijuana vs. Medical Marijuana here: