It started with a coalition of disgruntled Americans, then a handful of governors took up the cause last year, and
now — for the first time in nearly 20 years — a federal court will
hear oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the classification of
cannabis as a dangerous drug without medical benefits.
In the case, Americans for Safe Access v. Drug Enforcement Administration,
the court will be presented with scientific evidence regarding the
medicinal effects of marijuana, and is expected to rule on whether or
not the Drug Enforcement Administration acted appropriately in denying a
petition to reclassify cannabis, filed by a collection of public
interest organizations back in 2002.
"Medical marijuana patients are finally getting their day in court," Joe Elford, chief counsel with ASA, said in a recent statement.
"This is a rare opportunity for patients to confront politically
motivated decision-making with scientific evidence of marijuana’s
medical efficacy."
Under federal law, a schedule I prohibited substance is defined as
having
