WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Brian Mast (FL-21),the Republican co-chairmen of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, applauded the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) decision to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. 

“Today’s decision breaks a nearly 80-year stalemate in regards to cannabis, opening the door for it to be used for medicinal and research purposes. Rescheduling means cannabis will be an option for veterans and adults living with chronic diseases, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and opioid use disorder,” said Reps. Joyce and Mast. “This is an important step, but more needs to be done.”

“Millions of Americans have had opportunities for stable housing and employment foreclosed due to petty and non-violent cannabis-related offenses, including in jurisdictions that have since legalized the substance. Further, access to regulated and affordable medicinal cannabis remains out of reach for millions of patients, including veterans. 

We must develop a regulatory framework that protects children but ensures the safe growth, manufacturing, prescription, sale, and consumption of cannabis by adults. We look forward to working with the agencies on this issue in the coming months.”