Op-Ed: Senator Lazzara's take on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug

Letter to the Editor:  

Nowadays, it’s easy for important information on key issues to get lost. That’s why I am glad that Senator Michael Lazzara took the time to highlight the significance of rescheduling cannabis in his op-ed, “Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.” With growing evidence that cannabis has many therapeutic benefits, we cannot ignore the reality that cannabis-based treatments work.

Millions of patients, including veterans, across the country already rely on cannabis to treat conditions like PTSD that would otherwise remain untreated, and federal policies should reflect that. Rescheduling cannabis would allow veterans, especially those who primarily receive care from the VA, to discuss alternative treatments that would help improve their quality of life.  Not only does the current classification harm research on the potential benefits of cannabis and access for patients, but it also hinders economic growth within the industry. 

President Trump’s support for rescheduling shows that this isn’t a bipartisan issue but rather an American issue. There are no sides when it comes to improving access to treatments for patients and ensuring that small American businesses can grow. 

As a former City Council member in Fayetteville, I know all too well that we need leaders who will support common-sense policies, and this is as straightforward as it gets. Cannabis has already been proven as an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, and outdated federal restrictions should not continue to get in the way of more research, more access for patients, and more economic growth.

Bobby Hurst

Fayetteville, NC  28304

Former Fayetteville City Council member 2007 - 2017