A congressman from the Sunshine State wants the federal government to change how it classifies marijuana.
Freshman U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., brought out the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act” last week.
The bill will have the U.S. attorney general to change the Controlled Substances Act and reclassify marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule III controlled substance.
When he showcased the bill on Thursday, Steube insisted his legislation, if enacted, will ensure there is more research on marijuana.
“As marijuana is legalized for medical and recreational use across the United States, it is important that we study the effects of the substance and the potential impacts it can have on various populations,” said Steube. “By rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule III controlled substance, the opportunities for research and study are drastically expanded. With this rescheduling, researchers can now access federal funds to research this substance and determine its medical value.
“We hear every day about the positive health benefits of marijuana. Whether it’s young children with seizure disorders, or veterans suffering from chronic pain, it is clear that there are medical benefits to marijuana and I think it’s time we remove the bureaucratic red tape that prevents us from thoroughly studying this substance,” continued Steube.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, on which Steube sits, and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
Steube has been able to reel in some support from the Florida delegation as U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is cosponsoring the bill. Gaetz is a proponent of expanding medical marijuana research, an issue he has championed during his service in the Florida House and now in Congress.
