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The President Needs to Hear from You TODAY —
Ask him to Oppose Loosening Marijuana Classification
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UPDATE: We have heard that the marijuana industry has recently been to see the President to try to convince him to reschedule pot, a dangerous move that will hurt our communities and our children. As we told you earlier this week, the time is now to make your voices heard.
Marijuana proponents want the President to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. While they claim pot should not be in the same category as heroin because it does less harm, the FDA’s scheduling of drugs considers not just harm but the potential for abuse. Addiction levels for teenagers have risen by 25% in states where pot is legal, and kids who are addicted are 350% more likely to suffer from mental health problems.
Legalizing recreational weed, even as a Schedule I drug, has led to numerous problems, including more crime and homelessness, manufacturers lying about potency, and increased use and abuse by young people. In fact, reports from hospitals show that the rates of marijuana-induced incidents such as psychosis and heart problems have significantly increased in states that have legalized recreational use. Now, 30% of cannabis users have a clinical diagnosis of ‘cannabis use disorder’.
The global cannabis industry is currently worth $44 billion and is on its way to $444 billion by 2030. Rescheduling marijuana would put even more money in their pocket because pot producers and sellers, including CCP-owned farms in the U.S., will get to write off their business costs on their federal taxes. The marijuana industry is estimated to get over $2 billion/year in tax credits and benefits!
In addition, rescheduling marijuana may impact federal requirements regarding drug testing employees in safety-sensitive jobs like airline pilots and commercial drivers. The HHS regulations apply only to Schedule I drugs, so mandated testing for marijuana use will likely be stopped if pot is rescheduled.
News reports indicate that the marijuana lobby expects the President to act soon. He must hear from parents, teachers, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals regarding how this drug is affecting our families and communities. Please call the White House TODAY to urge them to oppose rescheduling marijuana.
Please forward this Alert to your friends, family, and concerned neighbors. Together, we can MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!
White House: (202) 456-1111
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Script (You may copy and paste this text into the White House Comment form linked here):
Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am from [CITY, STATE]. I am contacting you to voice my opposition to rescheduling marijuana. The narrative that marijuana is not harmful is not true. I have seen the destruction it has caused in communities, schools, and families. The FDA takes into consideration not only the harm of the substance but the potential for abuse when scheduling these types of drugs. Marijuana abuse is rampant. Addiction by teens in states with legal marijuana is up 25% over those in states that have not legalized. And those addicted are 350% more likely to suffer severe mental and behavioral problems.
Legalizing recreational weed has led to more crime. Manufacturers often lie about potency levels, and children are increasingly able to access the drug, often accidentally. Reports from hospitals show that the rates of marijuana-induced incidents such as psychosis and heart problems have significantly increased in states where it is legal, including 30% of cannabis users have a clinical diagnosis of cannabis use disorder.
The marijuana industry is profiting off addiction just like the tobacco industry. Giving them tax breaks for business expenses, including advertising to our kids, would be devastating.
In addition, rescheduling marijuana may impact federal requirements regarding drug testing employees in safety-sensitive jobs like airline pilots and commercial drivers. The HHS regulations apply only to Schedule I drugs, so mandated testing for marijuana use will likely be stopped if pot is rescheduled.
I urge you to oppose rescheduling marijuana. Thank you.
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