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Rescheduling vs . Descheduling
Cannabis : A Comprehensive Understanding
rulemaking , or it could reschedule marijuana by order . There is a level of unpredictability due to the political nature of this specific rescheduling process . It is possible that there could be legislation that impacts the timeline of marijuana rescheduling , amongst other issues . When Hydrocodone-related products were rescheduled in 2014 , it took four years , and the courts advise that marijuana could take up to nine years .
The CSA regulates certain drugs under existing federal law into one of five schedules . As a result of its placement in any schedule of the CSA , cannabis is criminalized . While moving cannabis to a less harsh schedule , such as Schedule III , under the CSA would officially acknowledge the medical benefits of marijuana . However , medical and adult use in legal states would still be illegal under federal law . There would still be penalties for personal use and selling cannabis with or without a license . This includes mandatory minimum sentences , and noncitizens could still be deported simply for working in the cannabis industry , even in legal states . Additionally , people could still be denied federal assistance for housing and food if they have a previous conviction .
As with other issues in the cannabis sector ( see my Ask Leah column on page 12 in this issue ), Rescheduling vs Descheduling Cannabis will have effects on consumers and medical marijuana patients . It is critical that we all continue to educate ourselves and stay current on this issue so that we can make informed decisions when voting and in how we communicate and advocate with our legislators and regulatory bodies .
About the Cover & Artist
We asked this month ’ s cover artist Joshua Williams , who is a local artist with Art Garden KC , to create unique art that represents the Missouri cannabis industry ’ s diversity , make it fun , action-oriented , and vibrant . We think he did just that . Here ’ s what Josh had to say about his motivation for his creative cover art .
Williams says , “ The motivation for my cover art piece came from my experience at Art Garden KC . There are so many different personalities in the Garden –– it was almost hard to choose which ones I wanted to depict for the cover . What really motivated me is the diversity and inclusion of Art Garden KC . At Art Garden , no matter what you ’ re into or where you come from , there ’ s a place for everybody . I wanted to express that in this piece . Show that Art Garden KC is a place where all seeds can grow .”
The two pieces below are a two samples of Williams ’ latest paint series : Art With Attitude , titled “ Still I Stand ” ( on left ) and “ Faith of The Relentless ” ( on right ). Williams says , “ They depict children who endure harsh environments but triumphantly reach a better , more beautiful environment by staying strong and keeping faith .”
In conclusion , while both rescheduling and descheduling represent significant shifts in federal cannabis policy , they offer different pathways forward . This nuanced debate between rescheduling and descheduling highlights the complexity . As the conversation continues to evolve , it ’ s essential to consider the diverse perspectives and potential impacts of these reforms on society , the economy , and public health .
References : 1 . https :// www . decriminalizemarijuana . com
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
28 May 2024
You can see more of his art at Joshua Williams Facebook or Instagram . Contact him at 1000phasesart @ gmail . com . See more of Joshua Williams artwork at IG : @ 1000 _ phases , Facebook : Josh OneThou Williams , and the Art Garden KC festivals held every Sunday , April through October at KC ’ s Berkley Riverfront Park and at the Crossroads every first Friday . The free to the public festivals feature over 70 local artists and vendors .
The EVOLUTION Magazine is proud to partner with Art Garden KC and Troost Market Collective ( AGKC / TMC ) to help support its mission and feature works by local AGKC artists on its monthly front cover .
To learn more about future Art Garden KC festivals and events , visit www . artgardenkc . org or follow them on social at @ ArtGardenKC . For vendor information , email hello @ artgardenkc . org .