Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy has joined a broad coalition of public policy, health, law enforcement, and community organizations in signing a national letter urging federal leaders to reject the rescheduling of marijuana. The full letter, drafted by our colleagues at Smart Approaches to Marijuana, is viewable and downloadable AT THIS LINK, but we want to share a high-level overview of why this matters so deeply. 

First, marijuana still meets the definition of a Schedule I substance: it has no accepted medical use and carries a high potential for abuse. The FDA has never approved marijuana itself as medicine. While certain isolated compounds have medical value when delivered in controlled forms (like Marinol or Epidiolex), the plant as a whole remains unsafe, addictive, and harmful—especially for young people and those struggling with mental health. 

Second, the public health risks are undeniable. Research shows that about 30% of marijuana users develop cannabis use disorder, with links to psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and suicidality. Daily use is associated with cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and severe impacts on developing brains. Reclassifying marijuana would also reduce safety protections—like drug testing for airline pilots and truck drivers—making our roads and skies less safe. 

Finally, rescheduling would hand billions in tax breaks to dispensaries and international drug cartels, while sending the wrong message to our youth that marijuana is a low-risk drug. At a time when today’s products are more potent than ever, this shift would only fuel addiction-for-profit while ignoring the science. 

We are proud to stand alongside other organizations in defense of public health and safety. Thank you for supporting our mission to protect Georgia’s youth, families, workplaces, and communities from the harms of marijuana.

Sincerely,
The GRMP Team