WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) on Thursday introduced the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2019. If passed, the act would reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance, loosening current restrictions on cannabis research.
“As marijuana is legalized for medical and recreational use across the United States, it is important that we study the effects of the substance and the potential impacts it can have on various populations,” Congressman Steube said in a press release.
“By rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule III controlled substance, the opportunities for research and study are drastically expanded. With this rescheduling, researchers can now access federal funds to research this substance and determine its medical value,” he continued.
The bill, if passed, directs the U.S. Attorney General to make the change in the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow researchers greater access to cannabis. Steube’s background includes undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, majoring in Beef Cattle Sciences and minoring in Agricultural Law.
“We hear every day about the positive health benefits of marijuana. Whether it’s young children with seizure disorders, or veterans suffering from chronic pain, it is clear that there are medical benefits to marijuana and I think it’s time we remove the bureaucratic red tape that prevents us from thoroughly studying this substance,” Steube added.
The Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2019 will now go to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where Congressman Steube is a member.
