DEA could place pot on schedule 2 list

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Marijuana is currently classified as a "Schedule 1 Drug" which means the government considers it an illegal substance with no medical benefit.

This summer that may change as the DEA considers reclassifying pot as a "Schedule 2 Drug."

"What this means is that the Federal government is recognizing the medicinal value, the safety and the efficiency of Marijuana as medicine," said J.P. Holyoak.

JP Holyoak is the owner of a Valley dispensary called AZ Natural Selections. He supports the DEA reclassifying Marijuana, adding it to the list of other Schedule 2 drugs like Morphine and Oxycodone.

"It will now put Marijuana under more FDA regulation, it will put it on par with drugs that doctors actually prescribe and are sold through pharmacies, and probably not through businesses," said Seth Leibsohn.

Seth Leibsohn, Chairman of Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, believes Marijuana should remain a Schedule 1 Drug. He argues that that legalizing Marijuana will lead to greater abuse.

Dr. Sue Sisley would like to see Marijuana de-scheduled all together. She says rescheduling to class 2 will hurt patients.

"When pharmaceuticals take over that process, suddenly prices will sky rocket. Formulations will be created from a natural plant," said Dr. Sue Sisley.

In a recent statement, the DEA said: "The DEA expects to soon be able to announce the outcome of a review of petitions to reschedule marijuana. The DEA has undertaken the review along with the Department of Health and Human Services."

"I don't think any of us in the medical community think that this plant belongs on the list of controlled substances, it's very benign," said Sisley.

This November, AZ voters could see an initiative on the ballot that would allow people 21 and older to carry up to 1 oz of marijuana and grow certain amounts of marijuana without a license. It would also allow licensed business to produce and sell the plant.