small businesses and communities that have been most impacted by the war on drugs.
We Stand for Full Cannabis Legalization: Why Schedule 3 is a Step Forward, But Not Enough
We’ve always been vocal advocates for the decriminalization and full legalization of cannabis, and that stance remains unchanged. However, the recent proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III is not a sufficient solution. It’s a half-measure that still criminalizes and controls the plant. But for now, we’ll take it, because it offers immediate relief for those who have suffered under prohibition.
As Voltaire once said, “the best is the enemy of the good.” In the cannabis industry, this rings true. For years, we have fought for the best outcome: complete descheduling, an end to prohibition, and freedom for both the plant and the people who have fought for this movement. While that fight is far from over, the current proposal to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III is a step in the right direction. It may not be the ultimate goal, but it is progress nonetheless.
Some may argue that celebrating Schedule III is a mistake, as it still keeps cannabis criminalized. And they are not wrong. This rescheduling does not free prisoners, eliminate stigma, or ensure equity for small growers and legacy operators. But incrementalism is not the same as giving up. Taking one step towards justice does not mean abandoning the fight for full justice. It simply means we are moving forward.
Take Uruguay, for example. In 2013, it became the first country to legalize adult-use cannabis. While the law was not perfect and faced criticism, it broke the ice and created room for improvement. Over time, the system became stronger. This is the nature of progress: start, then refine.
The Impact of Schedule III
Cannabis has been unjustly labeled as having “no medical value” and a “high potential for abuse” for decades while being trapped in Schedule I. This label has hindered scientific research and stifled the industry. Moving to Schedule III would remove two major barriers:
Taxes: Section 280E currently prevents cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary expenses, resulting in exorbitant tax rates. Under Schedule III, this would no longer apply, allowing cannabis companies to operate like legitimate businesses instead of criminals. For many small shops and growers, this could be the difference between shutting down and surviving.
Research: Scientists would have clearer paths to study cannabis, leading to more clinical data, evidence, and legitimacy. While it’s not complete freedom, it’s a step towards opening up research opportunities. With data comes proof, and with proof comes power. The catch-22 of “no research allowed, no research available” begins to crumble.
What Schedule III Does Not Do
There is a valid concern within the cannabis movement that rescheduling could lead to the industry being dominated by Big Pharma and large multistate operators, leaving out the small businesses and communities most impacted by the war on drugs. While Schedule III may not address this issue, it is a step towards progress and opens up opportunities for change.
