Over 20,000 people their opinions on marijuana
Last month, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requested the public’s input on several marijuana-related issues, including its international classification. It received a number of responses immediately after submitting its request for information (RFI), but the crux of the input didn’t come until just prior to the RFI’s deadline. The group received a total of over 20,000 comments ahead of the deadline this past Wednesday.
Almost half of the submissions were delivered in person to the FDA headquarters by representatives from NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. NORML had created a tool through its website that allowed individuals to submit their input electronically, which was then collected and given to the FDA.
According to Carly Wolf, political associate for NORML, “In just over two weeks, we received more than 10,000 comment submissions from our supporters. It’s so important for everyday American citizens to speak up and participate at every opportunity because when it comes down to it, our communities are being directly impacted by the discriminatory and destructive policies our government has unjustly implemented.”
Another 10,591 opinions were submitted directly to the FDA through its online portal. The results of the RFI are similar to that seen when the FDA issued a previous RFI this past May.
The information could become an integral part of national and international marijuana policy. The World Health Organization is going to address marijuana at its meeting this month, exploring whether or not it should be descheduled. The data collected by the FDA could be included in those discussions if it is processed in time.
