Denver urges federal government to reschedule marijuana

City submitted its official public comment as federal officials move toward rescheduling marijuana from schedule I to schedule III drug

As the federal government takes steps toward rescheduling marijuana, Denver wants to make sure it’s part of the conversation.

Before the federal government can reschedule marijuana, it must go through a lengthy rulemaking process, which includes taking public comments and possibly holding a hearing.

Luke Niforatos with Smart Approaches to Marijuana says because marijuana has become more potent, he worries more young people will be harmed.

“Everything we thought we knew about marijuana is totally wrong,” said Niforatos. “This is a totally different drug. It is more addictive than it’s ever been. It’s also more harmful to your mental health than it has ever been.”

Niforatos said he worries more young people will use marijuana and become addicted if it is rescheduled.

“The industry’s been targeting kids. There’d be nothing to stop that. They’ve been doing child-friendly products. This would essentially be a reward for how they’ve been targeting kids just like Big Tobacco,” said Niforatos.