Report Shows DEA Deliberately Blocked Beneficial Science to Perpetuate War on Cannabis
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Though it probably comes as no surprise, a new report confirms the DEA systematically thwarted research into both cannabis and MDMA for medicinal use and potential rescheduling. Additionally, the Drug Policy Alliance and Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) found in their report, the federal government maintains an “unjustifiable monopoly” on research-grade cannabis — preventing independent producers from contributing to any scientific studies.
According to the report, bluntly titled “The DEA: Four Decades of Impeding and Rejecting Science,” a compilation of case studies “illustrate a decades-long pattern of behavior that demonstrates the agency’s inability to exercise its responsibilities in a fair and impartial manner or to act in accord with the scientific evidence — often as determined by its Administrative Law Judges.”
In effecting inexcusably lengthy delays for cannabis research approval and refusing to reschedule the plant, the Drug Enforcement Agency has and continues to prevent countless people from obtaining crucial — in some cases, lifesaving — medicine they need.
Beyond unnecessary delays, the DEA has created a “Catch-22” — saying marijuana has no medicinal value, while impeding research which would likely prove otherwise.“
Through the use of such tactics, the DEA has consistently demonstrated that it is more interested in maintaining existing drug laws than in making important drug control decisions based on scientific evidence,” the report explains.
But such delays lopsidedly do not occur when the DEA moves to prohibit or further restrict a substance.
MDMA had been well-known to therapists and psychiatrists prior to the substance hitting the nightclub and underground circuit as ecstasy. But when the DEA got wind of its popularity as a recreational drug, the agency hastily responded to a senator’s request for MDMA to be scheduled.
In line with the agency’s consistent disregard for science, according to the report, the DEA was surprised when a number of respected mental health professionals requested a hearing about the intent to list the substance as Schedule I.