We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more

Leafly

Shop legal, local weed.

Open
advertise on Leafly
ShopDeliveryDispensariesDealsStrainsBrandsProductsCBDDoctorsCannabis 101Social impact
  • Sign in
  • Create account
  • Strains
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Delivery
  • Deals
  • Dispensaries
  • CBD Stores
  • Brands
  • Products
  • Learn
  • Cannabis 101
  • News
  • Leafly Learn
  • Science of cannabis
  • Doctors
  • Social impact
  • Lab partners
  • Download the Leafly App
  • Advertise on Leafly
    • Leafly.comUSA flag
    • Leafly.caCanadian flag
    • Leafly.deGerman flag
  • Help
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Strains & products
  • Industry
  • Growing
  • Health
  • Science & tech
  • Leafly USA
  • Podcasts
  • Learn
Politics

DEA Scheduling Decision Will Kill the ‘Not Enough Research’ Excuse

Jay LassiterPublished on August 11, 2016 · Last updated July 28, 2020

It’s one of the oldest excuses in the book: Politicians who resist drug reform, especially regarding medical cannabis, seem always to point to a “lack of research” showing its effectiveness. It's an excuse that perpetuates a vicious cycle: Lawmakers end up citing lack of research to justify their opposition to cannabis as medicine, in turn making research that much more difficult. Fortunately, the "no studies" excuse may soon be on its way out. 

The DEA’s announcement Thursday morning that it will remove a major roadblock to marijuana research could spur much broader scientific study of a drug already being used to treat dozens of conditions in 25 U.S. states.

This is not the bold gesture advocates were hoping for. But it is a small step forward. 

“I welcome the decision to lessen barriers to medical marijuana research," said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), one of the leading legalization advocates on Capitol Hill. “More than half the states — and counting — have legalized some form of medical marijuana. It’s outrageous that federal policy has blocked science for so long."

 BREAKING: Outrage Follows DEA Refusal to Reschedule Cannabis

Blumenauer's sentiment was echoed by advocates. 

"President Obama always said he would let science — and not ideology — dictate policy, but in this case his administration is upholding a failed drug war approach instead of looking at real, existing evidence that marijuana has medical value," wrote Tom Angell, chairman of Marijuana Majority. 

As with any announcement like this, the devil will be in the details. How many universities will get the green light to grow and study medical cannabis? According to the New York Times, "The new policy does not set a cap on the number who could qualify. Any institution that has an approved research protocol and the security measures needed to store dangerous drugs can apply.” 

Chris Goldstein of Philly NORML was not impressed. “Studying flowers in the age of hash oil is like studying a horse to build a Ferrari engine,” he told Leafly. 

“I do certainly understand that for a handful of hardworking scientists and academics this is a major moment, but it's only momentous if you expect current federal prohibition to continue."

While this piecemeal approach to reform is hardly ideal, today's DEA announcement is more proof that the continued "Just Say No" status of cannabis is untenable. Even the DEA knows it. 

 Is Hillary Clinton Evolving on Cannabis? Maybe. Slowly. A Little.

Obama hasn’t been the drug reform change agent many MMJ and legalization advocates wanted. But his Justice Department's hands-off approach to state legalization programs dramatically increased access to cannabis for sick people. Any frustration advocates feel with Obama's lack of boldness should be tempered by the tangible, if halting, progress that’s been made on his watch. 

An increasingly robust medical cannabis industry in an ever-expanding list of states is proof of that progress. Prior to today’s decision, advocates felt they had only a few more months to pressure the current administration to reschedule or deschedule cannabis. That option now appears dead.

Today's step to expand research opportunities will lead to more peer-reviewed academic studies on the benefits of medical marijuana. In the end, that will rob lawmakers of their “not enough research" excuse. Those studies will lead to the clinical trials that I’m confident will confirm what medical marijuana patients nationwide already know: Cannabis alleviates suffering and promotes healing.

 It’s Time to Treat Medical Cannabis Like Medicine

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • See all dispensaries
See all dispensaries
DEApoliticsreschedulingresearch
Jay Lassiter
Jay Lassiter
Jay has been covering New Jersey politics since 2005, when he founded a political journalism site and became the first credentialed statehouse blogger in America. He currently reports on politics for Leafly and the New York Observer.
View Jay Lassiter's articles

The latest in Politics

  • How US import tariffs are impacting cannabis prices and products image
    How US import tariffs are impacting cannabis prices and products
    Leafly Staff
  • Ohioans must activate to defend cannabis freedoms from lawmakers image
    Ohioans must activate to defend cannabis freedoms from lawmakers
    David Downs
  • Montanans must activate to protect legalization in 2025 image
    Montanans must activate to protect legalization in 2025
    David Downs
  • Analysis: Don’t hold your breath for legalization under Trump 2.0 image
    Analysis: Don’t hold your breath for legalization under Trump 2.0
    David Downs
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

Something went wrong, please try again.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App StoreDownload Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play

Business Solutions
  • List your store
  • List your CBD store
  • List your brand
  • List your practice
  • Business log in

About Leafly
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Investor relations
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Accessibility

Dispensaries in
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Toronto
  • Detroit

Privacy & Terms
  • Terms of use
  • Commercial terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Do not sell my personal information

* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2025 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.