New Jersey Assemblymember Michael Venezia (D) has introduced Assembly Resolution 153, which urges the U.S. Congress to deschedule marijuana, removing it as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
(Photo credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg).
The resolution, co-sponsored by Representatives Gabriel Rodriguez (D), Carmen Morales (D), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D), and Annette Quijano (D), reflects growing support in New Jersey for federal cannabis reform.
Under the CSA, established in 1970, Schedule I substances are deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and lack safety for medical supervision. Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug, despite its legalization for both medical and recreational use in New Jersey, and the growing body of research supporting its therapeutic benefits.
“Marijuana has several accepted medical uses throughout the United States, having been recommended by thousands of licensed physicians to at least 350,000 patients in states where medical marijuana is legalized”, states the resolution. “The New Jersey Legislature recognized the value of medical marijuana by passing the “Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act.” Due to marijuana’s Schedule I classification, owners and operators of dispensaries in New Jersey are susceptible to both being charged with federal crimes and being victims of theft.”
The resolution says that “This lack of safety for dispensary staff and consumers not only poses a dangerous threat the viability of the marijuana industry in New Jersey but also the physical health and safety of New Jersey residents. Therefore, in order to protect the rights and interest of New Jersey residents and medical marijuana patients, marijuana should no longer be classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.”
The bill comes at a time when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is moving to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, which would reduce restrictions but not fully legalize the substance. A public hearing on the DEA’s proposal is scheduled for December 12, 2024. However, advocates argue that rescheduling will not address many issues caused by marijuana’s current status, such as the inability to access financial services and federal banking for cannabis businesses.
Assembly Resolution 153 has been assigned to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
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