It’s been almost 20 years since a question regarding the classification of marijuana laws has been heard in federal court. But, on October 16th, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will hear arguments challenging marijuana’s schedule 1 status. The status means that the DEA considers Marijuana to be a dangerous drug with no medical value and a “high potential for abuse.” As more and more states pass laws legalizing the drug for medicinal use, this status has created considerable conflict between federal and state laws.
The support for legalization has grown dramatically over the last decade. During that time 17 states, plus Washington DC, have legalized the drug. This year, another seven states are considering bills or voter initiatives that would do the same.
Recent polling suggests 3/4 of Americans are in favor of legalized medical marijuana and support for complete legalization has reached an all-time high of 50%. Constitutional, economic, medical, and safety arguments have all been made in favor of legalization; arguments that will be used in court to challenge the federal court’s classification of marijuana’s schedule 1 status as “arbitrary and capricious.”
What do you think with happen on October 16th? What’s your position?