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Patrick Corey is a former four-term state representative in the Maine House. He now works as a self-employed marketer and artist.
In 2016, Maine voters made their voices heard by legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, and since then, we have worked diligently to implement a responsible regulatory framework for cannabis dispensaries to operate. Now, we stand at another critical juncture: reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under federal law. It’s a move that could improve medical research, increase patient access, and broaden economic opportunities for legal cannabis businesses.
During my time as a state representative, I served on the Joint Select Committee on Marijuana Legalization Implementation. I saw firsthand the tough challenges and the tremendous opportunities that come with cannabis policy reform. Given my experience, I believe that the only right move is to build on the work we have done and push for a federal rescheduling of cannabis.
Many leaders recognize this change as a common-sense reform that aligns with the values of states’ rights, economic growth, and public safety. As a country, we must move past outdated policies and embrace a regulatory approach that reflects the reality of cannabis today.
Schedule I drugs are considered to have no medical value and are determined to have a high potential for abuse under the Controlled Substance Act. Cannabis has remained in this category alongside heroin and LSD for over 50 years — a designation that is simply not supported by science, public opinion, or state-level policy changes.
Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would acknowledge its well-documented medical benefits, which have been recognized by a growing number of healthcare professionals, researchers, and even the Department of Health and Human Services. Countless patients rely on cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals. Continuing to treat it as a Schedule I drug not only undermines patient access but also contradicts the overwhelming body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential.
Additionally, rescheduling would allow for greater research into cannabis, helping public health officials better understand its effects and develop evidence-based policies to address concerns. Rather than continuing a failed war on marijuana, I believe we should pursue a pragmatic approach that balances regulation with public safety.
Rescheduling cannabis would also unlock significant economic opportunities for Maine small businesses and entrepreneurs. Currently, cannabis businesses operating in legal states like Maine face severe financial burdens, such as being taxed at rates far higher than other businesses, stifling economic growth and job creation in an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Americans.
By moving cannabis to Schedule III, we would eliminate these excessive tax burdens and allow legal operators to thrive, possibly leading to increased investment, job creation, and local economic development. At a time when many small businesses are struggling, I believe this is a pro-business reform that we should wholeheartedly support.
With 39 states having legalized medical marijuana and 24 allowing recreational use, federal law should evolve to reflect this reality.