The rescheduling of cannabis recognises the therapeutic value of this century-old medicinal plant, with it no longer being considered as “particularly liable to abuse and to produce ill effects.”
The decision was preceeded by an independent scientific assessment undertaken by some of the world’s leading experts in which evidence and testimonials from all corners of the world were reviewed.
The result is even more momentous when you consider that cannabis was placed into Schedule 4 without ever having been subject to any scientific assessment in the first place, with this category for cannabis widely considered to be a relic of extreme international drug laws inherited from 1950s morals.
In the words of non-profit organisation FAAT (For Alternative Approaches to Addiction, Think & do tank), who was actively involved in the lobby for rescheduling, the previous classfication was also representative of “long discredited value systems connected to racism, intolerance, disrespect for indigenous peoples and cultures that were the hallmark of the colonial age.”
The rescheduling is incredible news for millions of patients who use medical cannabis around the world and it is also considered a historical victory of science over politics.
In addition to the removal from Schedule 4, the World Health Organisation has also proposed an ambitious plan to harmonise and embed flexibility into the treaty framework for the access and availability of cannabis medicines.