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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s recent decision declining to reschedule cannabis is a step bridging the national discussion — a step toward a possible agreement on medical cannabis through scientific research. The federal agencies are calling for more research and “work to … ensure support by the federal government for the efficient clinical research using marijuana.” These calls create an opportunity for research scientists in Oregon, Washington and elsewhere, as well as opportunities for universities and initiatives like the University of Washington Cannabis Law and Policy Project. They are also a reminder not to squander first-mover benefits.
Continue Reading The DEA Is Getting Past Just Saying No: Scientific Research Into Medical Uses of Marijuana Is a Bridge Toward a Policy Shift

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently denied a petition to initiate proceedings to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Thus, cannabis will remain a Schedule I substance under the CSA. Prior to the announcement, there was a good deal of speculation that the DEA was considering rescheduling cannabis to Schedule II.
Continue Reading DEA Just Said No to Rescheduling Cannabis: Why It Matters

Over the last year, the Washington state marijuana industry has anticipated the transition from an unregulated medical marijuana market to an integrated, medical-recreational market on July 1, 2016, under the Cannabis Patient Protection Act.

A month before the roll-out date, a medical doctor and marijuana patient sued the governor and others to block the merger.  On June 30, the federal court refused to stop the merger. The doctor and terminally-ill patient argued that the new rules will chill their medical communications in violation of the First Amendment. But the court validly rejected their request for an injunction on jurisdictional grounds. They had no private claim under the Controlled Substances Act, First Amendment and Supremacy Clause. The doctor and patient also failed to establish injury supporting a pretrial injunction.

Find more information on the history of the two merged industries, the recent suit and some takeaways.Continue Reading Court Declines to Prevent Merger of Washington Medical and Recreational