State Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) is advocating to reclassify marijuana to a less restricted category.
The senator is urging Congress and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reclassify the drug in order to increase research into its effects and ease the burden on the medical marijuana business.
He says the drug's current Schedule I status - same as other substances like heroin - is inaccurate and damaging to those who benefit from its medical advantages. Even other addictive drugs, such as oxycodone and methamphetamine, have a lower classification as Schedule II drugs.
"The families of sick children who have used this product know how important it is," Senator Yuko said. "But researchers are afraid to study cannabis, and legal businesses are forced to remain cash-only, because the government still views it as dangerous."
Drugs classified as Schedule I have "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," according to the DEA. They also have a restriction on their research.
