On October 24, Oshkosh Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit, alongside SWAT, seized thousands in cash, approximately 30 grams of cocaine, 50 grams of marijuana, over a thousand THC cartridges, and 7.5 pounds of raw marijuana across two residences. 

Authorities arrested a 51-year-old man and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution, as reported by FOX6. While this may seem like a standard drug raid, it brings into focus the debate surrounding marijuana legalization and its impacts on public safety, health, and crime.

Categorizing Cannabis

Despite growing acceptance at the state level, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This classification means that, like heroin or LSD, marijuana is considered to have high abuse potential with no accepted medical uses. 

Calls for rescheduling are frequent, but a simple change in classification by the Attorney General or even Congress would not equate to federal legality. According to The Heritage Foundation, rescheduling marijuana won’t automatically make it FDA-approved, as federal law mandates rigorous testing and evidence that it’s “safe, effective, and uniform” before any drug can be commercially distributed. The raw form of cannabis, often used recreationally or marketed as medicinal in some states, does not meet these standards, which has prevented it from being rescheduled or approved by federal agencies.

The Debate Over Medical Cannabis

Proponents of marijuana legalization point to potential medicinal benefits. Studies suggest that cannabinoids—the active compounds in marijuana—could be beneficial for chronic pain, spasticity from multiple sclerosis, and other ailments. However, health experts are divided. While some believe cannabis offers therapeutic value, others warn of its risks, particularly as today’s high-potency strains are much stronger than what was available in past decades.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

Marijuana’s role in public health and safety is contentious. Advocates argue that, unlike alcohol or opioids, marijuana doesn’t directly cause overdose deaths. However, research increasingly shows that marijuana use is associated with impaired driving and “cannabis-induced violence.” Statistics from states that have legalized marijuana reveal an uptick in cannabis-related traffic incidents and fatalities. 

Additionally, marijuana use has raised mental health concerns, especially among long-term and heavy users. Studies found a link between frequent cannabis use and a higher risk of schizophrenia. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also reported that chronic marijuana use could contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, although some experts argue these findings could be influenced by other variables like alcohol and non-cannabis drug use.

Conclusion 

The Oshkosh drug bust highlights a pivotal issue: while cannabis may hold potential therapeutic value warranting further research, the raw, unregulated form of marijuana cannot meet FDA standards for approval. Shifting marijuana’s classification from Schedule I may seem straightforward, but it would not guarantee legal distribution. For cannabis to be federally recognized as a therapeutic substance, it would need to satisfy stringent FDA requirements for safety, effectiveness, and consistency—standards that raw cannabis, as it is widely used today, fails to meet.