Judith Grisel, a professor of psychology at Bucknell University, has expressed concerns about the impact of THC on young individuals. Grisel, who has personal experience with cannabis addiction, highlighted the adverse effects of THC, which include an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline among the youth. She also criticized the mixed messages surrounding cannabis use and called for more responsible leadership and policies.
Simultaneously, Regina LaBelle, a professor at Georgetown University and a former acting director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, critiqued the Biden administration's approach to cannabis policy. In her view, Robert Gebelhoff's op-ed did not adequately address the inaction of Congress, which is crucial to regulate cannabis under the FDA. She emphasized that without congressional action, essential regulations and rectifications of past injustices stemming from cannabis criminalization remain unaddressed.
These concerns arise amid discussions and criticisms of the Biden administration's consideration to reschedule marijuana, shifting it from Schedule I to Schedule III within the Controlled Substances Act, which would potentially allow for more research but not full legalization.
Both experts emphasize the need for clear, effective regulations and policies that consider public health and social justice dimensions in cannabis policy. They call for more decisive action from both the administration and Congress to address these critical issues.