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Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) pressed National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Monica Bertagnolli during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing about the role of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the Biden administration’s recommendation to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Harris, a vocal opponent of cannabis reform, sought clarity on whether NIDA was consulted in the rescheduling decision and referred to prior discussions with NIDA Director Nora Volkow, where he claimed she opposed full marijuana legalization.
Key Highlights from the Hearing
Consultation with NIDA: Harris asked if NIDA was consulted before the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended rescheduling cannabis. NIH Director Bertagnolli, who assumed her role in September 2023, after the review concluded, said she did not know.
Harris’s Conflation: Harris appeared to conflate Volkow's personal reservations about full marijuana legalization with HHS’s rescheduling effort. Rescheduling would not legalize marijuana but rather ease research restrictions.
Background on NIDA and Rescheduling
NIDA's Stance: NIDA has long criticized marijuana's Schedule I status, which Volkow has said impedes scientific research. HHS’s rescheduling recommendation explicitly stated that "NIDA concurs with this recommendation."
Barriers to Research: Volkow has consistently advocated for reclassifying marijuana to facilitate studies, highlighting the challenges researchers face under current regulations.
Harris’s Opposition to Marijuana Reform
Harris has been an outspoken critic of cannabis reform, opposing:
Rescheduling Efforts: He previously labeled FDA’s conclusion to recommend rescheduling as "misguided" and urged the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reject it.
Public Health Concerns: At a Republican National Committee event in July, Harris stated, “I don’t care whether it’s good for the [Republican] party or not. It’s not good for your health.”
D.C. Legalization: Harris has championed a congressional rider blocking Washington, D.C., from legalizing marijuana sales for over a decade.
Outlook on Rescheduling
The Biden administration’s rescheduling proposal, if finalized by the DEA, would significantly reduce restrictions on cannabis research and business operations. Harris and other critics continue to voice opposition, citing public health concerns, while advocates argue it’s a science-based step to modernize cannabis policy.
The final decision from the DEA is still pending, with ongoing debate over the implications for public health, research, and federal drug policy.
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