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PaperclipPerfector  11d ago (text post)   24672 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of October 20, 2025

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It really seems like some court at some point needs to question whether marijuana really fits the definition of a Schedule I controlled substance.

Apparently (article, opinion), this happened back in 1994, but the appeals panel found that the DEA's interpretation of the statute was not unreasonable.

Our review of the record convinces us that the Administrator's findings are supported by substantial evidence. The Final Order canvasses the record at length. It recites the testimony of numerous experts that marijuana's medicinal value has never been proven in sound scientific studies. The Administrator reasonably accorded more weight to the opinions of these experts than to the anecdotal testimony of laymen and doctors on which petitioners relied. The Administrator noted that

[w]ith one exception, none of [these doctors] could identify under oath the scientific studies they swore they relied on. Only one had enough knowledge to discuss the scientific technicalities involved. Eventually, each one admitted he was basing his opinion on anecdotal evidence, on stories he heard from patients, and on his impressions about the drug.

These findings are consistent with the view that only rigorous scientific proof can satisfy the CSA's "currently accepted medical use" requirement.

But that was 30 years ago, so perhaps more scientific studies are available nowadays.

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