OOIDA submits comments to FDA about possible reclassification of marijuana

Marijuana’s medical benefits are enough to remove it from the Schedule I list of controlled substances, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association wrote in formal comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

OOIDA filed comments on Oct. 31 in response to the FDA’s notice about possibly changing marijuana’s drug classification.

Schedule I drugs are defined as “substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” In addition to marijuana, some current examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and peyote. Meanwhile, cocaine and methamphetamine are listed as Schedule II drugs by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

“One of the primary considerations for a substance to be included in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is whether or not the substance has no currently accepted medical use in the United States. On this point alone, cannabis should be excluded from its present classification,” OOIDA wrote in comments signed by President Todd Spencer. “Some estimates show that more than a million Americans use cannabis for medical purposes, and there have been numerous studies and trials that show cannabis can be used safely and effectively, including for the treatment of chronic pain in adults.”

While OOIDA recommends changing marijuana’s scheduling classification, the Association is strongly opposed to anyone who would drive under the influence of the substance.

“To be clear, OOIDA has never – and will never – condone the use of cannabis for any trucker while operating a commercial motor vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter,” the Association wrote. “However, cannabis used for medicinal purposes is much safer and healthier than current alternatives, including alcohol (and) opioids.”

Based on current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a person is not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if he or she uses any Schedule I controlled substance. Currently, truck drivers can’t use marijuana for any reason even if the substance is legal in their home state. LL