Cannabis is legal for adults in many states, yet federally it remains a Schedule 1 Drug. — the same category as heroin. 1 in 5 Americans reside in a state where adult cannabis is legal, and there is growing bipartisan support for legal, taxed cannabis. Descheduling cannabis would permanently decriminalize it across the U.S., expand research, protect patients, and open the door for small businesses.
Here are 10 things you might not know about descheduling cannabis.
1. Cannabis Research Is Restricted by Federal Law
Scientists must rely on low-quality samples from a single DEA-approved source. Descheduling would allow real-world research on consumer-grade products.
2. There Are Over 30,000 Cannabis Studies
Cannabis has more peer-reviewed research than Tylenol, ibuprofen, or Adderall — yet federal law still claims it has “no accepted medical use.” A cursory review of the available scientific evidence finds this position to be either woefully or willfully ignorant. Unlike many conventional medications, cannabis possesses an extensive history of human use dating back thousands of years, providing us with ample empirical evidence as to the plant’s relative safety and efficacy.
3. Veterans Risk Benefits by Using Cannabis
Veterans can lose access to healthcare, GI Bill funds, or federal protections if they use cannabis in non-legal states. Descheduling fixes this, and would promote Veteran business ownership.
4. Cannabis Helps with PTSD and Chronic Pain
Studies show cannabis can help veterans manage PTSD, neuropathic pain, and traumatic brain injuries — but access remains limited under Schedule I.
5. Families Are Forced to Relocate for Access
Some parents move to medical states to protect their children’s health, while others risk prosecution. Descheduling ends this unequal system.
6. Seniors Still Face Stigma and Legal Barriers
Many seniors avoid cannabis despite potential relief from pain and reduced opioid use. Seniors often can’t fathom breaking the laws and will follow the rules. Descheduling makes safe access and choice possible.
7. Small Businesses Are Shut Out by Federal Rules
IRS 280E tax penalties and limited, competitive, and expensive licenses lock most people out of entrepreneurship. Descheduling allows banking, credit card use, and fairer competition.
8. Descheduling Would Strengthen the Economy
Legal cannabis already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Descheduling creates more opportunities for women, people of color, and veterans.
9. Criminal Justice Reform Depends on It
Cannabis prohibition drives mass incarceration and inequity. Descheduling reduces arrests, supports equity programs, and reinvests tax dollars into communities.
10. Oaksterdam Helped Forge the Path
Oaksterdam’s founders defended patients at the Supreme Court, led California’s Prop 19 campaign, and continue briefing lawmakers on why descheduling is the key to fair, effective cannabis policy.
Learn Advocacy with Oaksterdam
Descheduling cannabis matters for patients, veterans, seniors, small businesses, and justice reform. The next step is learning how to advocate.
👉 Register for Oaksterdam University’s FREE Advocacy Class and discover how you can help shape the future of cannabis policy.