U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), along with Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), have sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram expressing concerns regarding the possible rescheduling of marijuana and its implications on U.S. treaty obligations.
The senators emphasized the importance of basing any efforts to reschedule marijuana on factual and scientific evidence rather than favored policies of an administration. They highlighted the necessity for the DEA to comply with the Controlled Substances Act and the United States’ treaty obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
The letter addressed the historical context of the Single Convention, ratified by the Senate in 1967, which requires the U.S. to impose specific controls on drugs covered by the treaty, including marijuana. The senators pointed out that marijuana’s classification under the Single Convention reflects its known dangers and health risks, as highlighted by recent research findings linking its use to serious health consequences.
Furthermore, the senators raised questions about the DEA’s position on the classification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act and its alignment with the United States’ treaty obligations. They inquired about the potential diplomatic implications of any rescheduling decision and the impact of failing to uphold treaty obligations on international drug control efforts.
The senators concluded the letter by requesting a prompt response from Administrator Milgram on these critical issues concerning marijuana rescheduling and treaty compliance.
The full text of the letter can be accessed for further details on the senators’ concerns and inquiries regarding the DEA’s approach to marijuana rescheduling and treaty obligations.
