Cannabinoid Conundrum: A Study of Marijuana and Hemp Legality in the United States

Abstract

As a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), controversies surrounding legal, ethical, and societal implications associated with the use of marijuana are compounded by its adverse health effects, limited clinical data for therapeutic indications, and safe administration/ packaging/dispensing regulations. The fragmented transition of marijuana from a vilified substance to one with legitimate therapeutic merit has been convoluted and controversial. Cannabis is the most commonly cultivated, trafficked, and abused drug worldwide, with an annual usage by approximately 147 million individuals, which equates to 2.5% of the global population. The social attitudes and cultural norms surrounding marijuana use are shifting in a positive direction, as shown by the rapidly evolving cannabis policy at the state level. State cannabis laws are widespread and highly variable—which leads to some ambiguity and concern. As state legal restrictions have eased, marijuana use has increased. In states where it is legal, sales topped $8 billion in 2017, and they are projected to grow to $24 billion by 2025. State marijuana legalization and industry growth show no signs of slowing. This paper will outline the central issues within marijuana legality, provide potential legislative solutions, and pose several core questions that must be answered before significant changes occur at the federal level. The central issues regarding marijuana legality include: convoluted state and federal laws, adverse health effects of cannabis use, research restrictions that produce knowledge gaps, and inconsistency with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In order to resolve the conflict, it is imperative to stress the importance of science in this policy debate. The changes in state laws have occurred largely without significant input from the medical, scientific, or policy research communities.10 Updating marijuana policy on the federal level is a desirable goal, but we must seek to minimize any adverse consequences in the form of social and public health costs. Scientific research must be at the heart of all legislative decisions.