Dear President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, 

We, the undersigned, are compelled by a shared vision for justice, equity, and scientific integrity to address a matter of urgent national importance— the complete de-scheduling of cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The persistent classification of cannabis under Schedule I not only contradicts contemporary scientific understanding, and years of consistent research studies, but also perpetuates the injustices of a decades-long war on drugs that has disproportionately targeted communities of color and economically disadvantaged individuals. Historically, the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance—alongside drugs like Heroin, Ecstasy (MDMA), and LSD—has been rooted not in objective science but in discriminatory policy frameworks. The origins of cannabis prohibition are entwined with racially motivated policies that targeted African American and Latino communities. This targeted criminalization has led to disproportionate arrest rates for cannabis possession in these communities, despite similar rates of cannabis use across other racial and ethnic groups. Moreover, the economic burdens of incarceration for cannabis-related offenses are immense.

The United States spends billions annually to enforce cannabis prohibition, funds that could otherwise support public health and safety, education, and rehabilitation initiatives. The human cost is even greater: families torn apart, young lives marred by criminal records, and entire communities stigmatized and disenfranchised. The argument that merely rescheduling cannabis to a Schedule III substance is sufficient, fails to acknowledge the depth of harm caused by past discriminatory policies. Rescheduling would still impose significant regulatory burdens on cannabis research and access, continuing to stigmatize and penalize its use. Full de-scheduling is necessary to eliminate unjust penalties, to advance scientific study, and to facilitate the economic development of a legitimate cannabis industry, which will provide a significant number of jobs and increased tax revenues that will benefit the people and their communities. De-scheduling cannabis would also represent a meaningful step towards rectifying the injustices of past policies, reducing incarceration rates, and dismantling systemic barriers to equitable treatment under the law. It is a necessary action to align our national drug policies with both scientific consensus and principles of fairness and justice.

As an industry, community, and dedicated advocates, we urge you to initiate the steps necessary to de-schedule NOT reschedule cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and to implement comprehensive drug reform policies that reflect our current understanding and societal values. This action would not only correct historical wrongs but would lay a foundation for a more just and equitable future. It is very clear that moving cannabis to a lesser schedule does not federally legalize it, still posing the risk of criminal penalties for operating outside of current state laws and regulations, plus potential prosecution for breaking federal laws. We initially started this petition in 2024, ahead of the DEA's proposed hearing to potentially reschedule cannabis to a Schedule III. At the time, President Biden was in office and is quoted stating, “No one should be jailed just for using or possessing marijuana.” In addition, our former Vice-President Kamala Harris echoed the same sentiment by saying, “Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed. We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana while reforming the justice system, so it finally lives up to its name.” Every leader that the people have chosen to govern this country, has done so with the hope that things will be different this time. They will keep their word and uphold their promises to the people. They will hold their position with honor and change things for the best, not just better.  Instead, we have gotten empty promises and broken systems that do not serve the people or better their lives. 

If our nation’s leaders cannot hold true to their own word, even when over 70% of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization, how can their constituents be expected to trust them to do as they have promised? The whole reason we have a legal cannabis market in multiple states, is because of the many advocates (including mothers who fought for the right to medicate their children with cannabis) who stood on the front lines and petitioned for the medical use of this powerful plant. Cannabis is medicine, and providing safe and equitable access for all who need it should be a fundamental right. As President & Co-Founder of the United Empowerment Party, a proud CannaMom, passionate advocate, and Caregiver, I would implore you all to hear the voices of the people and De-schedule Cannabis. 

We are asking that you please consider this critical matter and the people you have sworn to govern and serve. We look forward to your leadership in ending the era of cannabis prohibition and forging a new path forward for our nation. 

Sincerely, 

Sephida Artis-Mills

President & Co-Founder United Empowerment Party

Sephida@unitedempowermentparty.org  

www.unitedempowermentparty.org

** This is a true De-schedule Not Re-schedule campaign created by the United Empowerment Party, who has authorized this change.org petition.