text: The feds could actually soften their stance a little when it comes to weed. 
   
   The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the medical evidence surrounding the safety and effectiveness of marijuana, a process that could lead to the agency downgrading the drug's current status as a Schedule I drug, the most dangerous classification. 
   
   FDA Press Officer Jeff Ventura described the review process, which is being completed at the request of the Drug Enforcement Agency, to The Huffington Post. 
   
   "FDA conducts for Health and Human Services a scientific and medical analysis of the drug under consideration, which is currently ongoing," Ventura said. "HHS then recommends to DEA that the drug be placed in a given schedule. DEA considers HHS’ analysis, conducts its own assessment, and makes a final scheduling proposal in the form of a proposed rule." 
   
   The FDA could not confirm how long the review process would take. 
   
   The U.S. has five "schedules" for drugs or chemicals that can be used to make drugs. Schedule I is reserved for drugs that the DEA considers to have the highest potential for abuse and no "current accepted medical use." Marijuana has been classified as Schedule I for decades, along with other substances like heroin and LSD. Rescheduling marijuana would not make it legal, but a lower schedule could potentially ease restrictions on research into the drug and make banks less wary of offering financial services to state-legal marijuana businesses. It could also allow those businesses to make some traditional tax deductions. 
   
   "While DEA is the lead federal agency responsible for regulating controlled substances and enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, FDA, working with NIDA, provides scientific recommendations about the appropriate controls for those substances," FDA Deputy Director Doug Throckmorton said Friday in testimony delivered during the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing. 
   
   "To make these recommendations, FDA is responsible for preparing what's called an eight-factor analysis, which is a document that is used to assess how likely a drug is to be abused," Throckmorton said. 
   
   Here are the eight factors the FDA will consider about marijuana when deciding which schedule it should go under, according to the CSA: 
   
   Its actual or relative potential for abuse Scientific evidence of its pharmacological effect, if known The state of current scientific knowledge regarding the drug or other substance Its history and current pattern of abuse The scope, duration, and significance of abuse What, if any, risk there is to the public health Its psychic or physiological dependence liability Whether the substance is an immediate precursor of a substance already controlled under this subchapter 
   
   A DEA spokeswoman told HuffPost that the agency was required to order the FDA to review marijuana's scheduling status because of two public citizens' petitions that asked the agency for a review. A change could put marijuana in the company of cocaine and methamphetamine, two other Schedule II drugs. 
   
   This isn't the first time the DEA has asked the FDA to reconsider marijuana, Throckmorton said Friday. In 2001 and 2006, the DEA requested an analysis of the drug after receiving other public petitions requesting that the agency reschedule it. But both times, federal regulators determined that marijuana should remain a Schedule I substance. At the time, the FDA said there simply wasn't enough research about marijuana's efficacy in treating various ailments. 
   
   Part of the lack of cannabis science in the U.S. has to do with the federal stranglehold on marijuana research. There's only one federally legal marijuana garden in the U.S., at the University of Mississippi. The National Institute on Drug Abuse oversees the operation, and it's the only source of marijuana for federally sanctioned studies on the drug. 
   
   To date, NIDA has conducted about 30 studies on the potential benefits of marijuana. Since 2003, it has approved more than 500 grants for marijuana-related studies, with a marked upswing in recent years, according to McClatchy. In 2003, 22 grants totaling $6 million were approved for cannabis research, McClatchy reported. In 2012, that number had risen to 69 approved grants totaling more than $30 million. 
   
   Federal authorities have long been accused of only funding marijuana research that focuses on the potential negative effects of the substance. The DEA has also been accused of not acting quickly enough when petitioned to reschedule marijuana, and for obstructing science around the drug. 
   
   Meanwhile, a number of recent studies have added to the growing body of research showing the medical potential of cannabis. Purified forms may attack some forms of aggressive cancer. Studies have tied marijuana use to blood sugar control and slowing the spread of HIV. One study found that legalization of the plant for medical purposes may even lead to lower suicide rates. 
   
   Currently, 22 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, with New York state poised to be the 23rd. About ten other states have also legalized CBD-oil, a non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana frequently used to treat epilepsy, for research or limited medical purposes. 
   
   According to a recent CBS News poll, a vast majority of Americans -- over 80 percent -- approve of medical marijuana legalization. 
   
   While the FDA isn't ready to get on board with legalization, it does seem more interested in the medical benefits of the drug. 
   
   "The FDA has not approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any indication," the FDA stated in its latest guidelines regarding marijuana, posted Friday. "The FDA is aware that there is considerable interest in its use to attempt to treat a number of medical conditions, including, for example, glaucoma, AIDS wasting syndrome, neuropathic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and certain seizure disorders." ||||| One in four cases of psychosis in Britain is associated with powerful strains of cannabis such as "skunk", a study has found. 
   
   Scientists found such potent forms of the drug increased the likelihood that a user would develop the condition. 
   
   Casual users of the stronger variants of the class B substance have been found to be three times more likely to develop psychosis, while heavy users are five times more likely. 
   
   The findings of the six-year study - which have been published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal - suggest strong forms of cannabis can lead to serious mental illness. 
   
   Sarah Graham, a drugs counsellor, has claimed the figure is "just the tip of the iceberg". 
   
   Play video "2014: Inside A UK Cannabis Factory" Video: 2014: Inside A UK Cannabis Factory 
   
   A recovering addict herself, she described "skunk" as the "Incredible Hulk of cannabis", and warned: "It is absolutely decimating young people's lives." 
   
   She told Sky News: "It's not the weed that many parents may have experimented with at university or college. This is a very, very potent drug. It’s like a turbo-charged version of ordinary cannabis - and it's laced with chemicals, too. 
   
   "I see so many young people who are having their mental health decimated by this drug. I see them in hospitals, in psychiatric wards and it is absolutely heart-breaking. I see them being diagnosed with forms of schizophrenia. We need to start taking this seriously." 
   
   Researchers from King's College London say there should be greater public awareness of the effects of using the stronger form of the drug. 
   
   Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at the university, said: "It is now well known that use of cannabis increases the risk of psychosis. 
   
   "However, sceptics still claim that this is not an important cause of schizophrenia-like psychosis. 
   
   "This paper suggests that we could prevent almost one quarter of cases of psychosis if no one smoked high-potency cannabis. 
   
   "This could save young patients a lot of suffering and the NHS a lot of money." 
   
   While skunk was associated with psychotic episodes, the milder form of cannabis known as hash had no such link, the scientists said. 
   
   The study looked at 800 people aged between 18 and 65 in south London, including 410 who had suffered psychosis and 370 healthy patients. ||||| Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Former skunk user Liaquat Zaman: "It brought me to a very dark place in my life" 
   
   Smoking potent cannabis was linked to 24% of new psychosis cases analysed in a study by King's College London. 
   
   The research suggests the risk of psychosis is three times higher for users of potent "skunk-like" cannabis than for non-users. 
   
   The study of 780 people was carried out by KCL's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. 
   
   A Home Office spokesman said the report underlines the reasons why cannabis is illegal. 
   
   Scientists found the risk of psychosis was five times higher for those who use it every day compared with non-users. 
   
   They also concluded the use of hash, a milder form of the drug, was not associated with increased risk of psychosis. 
   
   Psychosis refers to delusions or hallucinations that can be present in certain psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 
   
   Risk increased 'threefold' 
   
   "Compared with those who had never tried cannabis, users of high potency skunk-like cannabis had a threefold increase in risk of psychosis,' said Dr Marta Di Forti, lead author on the research. 
   
   She added: "The results show that psychosis risk in cannabis users depends on both the frequency of use and cannabis potency." 
   
   Dr Di Forti told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the availability of skunk-like cannabis was becoming more widespread. 
   
   Image copyright AP 
   
   'I was a wreck' 
   
   Cath from Berkshire, who asked to remain anonymous, believes smoking skunk caused her to experience mental health problems. 
   
   "I dabbled with a friends' group in my early 20s, and went from someone who had never experienced any mental health issues whatsoever, to an absolute wreck. 
   
   "I was terrified of leaving the house, and I became petrified of death, of the mysteries of the universe, and of being alone. You name it, I was terrified of it. 
   
   "It took about six years to feel normal again and now, almost 20 years later, I have absolutely no doubt that my issues were triggered by casually and naively smoking this so called 'soft' drug. 
   
   "For years I have shuddered as campaigners have sought to declassify or promote the product as I understand first-hand the hidden yet, until now, unspoken dangers of this awful drug." 
   
   "In London, it's very difficult to find anything else," Dr Di Forti said. 
   
   "There were lots of reports from police across the UK saying we have become a great producer of skunk. And not only do we use it locally but we export, so this is a Made in England product." 
   
   Someone suffering from psychosis would often be "extremely paranoid and become very suspicious" about the people around them, she added. 
   
   She has called for "a clear public message" to cannabis users, comparable to medical advice on alcohol and tobacco. 
   
   GPs should be encouraged to ask how often and what type of cannabis patients use, she added, 
   
   A Home Office spokesman said the findings backed up the government's approach: "Drugs such as cannabis are illegal because scientific and medical evidence demonstrates they are harmful. 
   
   "This report serves to emphasise how they can destroy lives and communities." 
   
   'Without risk' 
   
   Skunk contains more THC - the main psychoactive ingredient - than other types of cannabis. 
   
   Unlike skunk, hashish - cannabis resin - contains substantial quantities of another chemical called cannabidiol or CBD and research suggests this can act as an antidote to the THC, counteracting psychotic side effects. 
   
   Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King's, commented: "This paper suggests that we could prevent almost one quarter of cases of psychosis if no-one smoked high potency cannabis. 
   
   "This could save young patients a lot of suffering and the NHS a lot of money." 
   
   The research was carried out over several years, comparing 410 patients aged 18-65 who reported a first episode of psychosis at a south London psychiatric hospital with 370 healthy participants within the same age range from the same area of London. 
   
   It will be published later this week in the Lancet Psychiatry. 
   
   Rosanna O'Connor, director of alcohol, drugs and tobacco at Public Health England, responded: "No drug use is without risk as this report demonstrates. 
   
   "Anyone having problems with drug use should seek help from their local specialist drug services. It is important to remember that treatment for all types of drug problems, including cannabis, are readily available and very effective". 
   
   Cannabis user Robert, from Hertfordshire experienced a "temporary psychosis" after taking home-grown cannabis in his 20s. 
   
   "It was utterly terrifying, and the worst night of my life," he told the BBC News website. 
   
   "As someone affected by this issue it is hard watching mainstream media, particularly comedy films, portraying cannabis as a harmless life-enhancing substance with limited ill-effects - it's simply not true." 
   
   Another person who contacted the BBC website felt that legalising cannabis would allow varieties to be regulated. 
   
   Phil, from Cambridgeshire, said: "Speaking as a 'toker' for past 25 years, super skunk is the term they should be using. 
   
   "The cause of all this is the illegality. If things were more open and informed, people could buy 'saner' variety seeds." ||||| The study by King's College London found that smoking "skunk-like" cannabis triples the risk of psychosis. The drug was linked to 24 per cent of new psychosis cases, according to the research. 
   
   The researchers say there is an "urgent need" to inform young people about the risks of strong cannabis. But what about alcohol? 
   
   Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King's College London, told Channel 4 News: "Most people who drink alcohol do it moderately and enjoy it. Most people who smoke cannabis do it moderately and enjoy it. 
   
   "But if you drink a bottle of vodka each day it won't be good for your health, the same with a large amount of cannabis." 
   
   Physical damage 
   
   
   
   Professor Murray said that in terms of physical damage, alcohol was more dangerous. 
   
   "In absolute terms, far more people die of alcohol than cannabis. It's very difficult to kill yourself from cannabis. It may make you do some crazy things, but you're not going to get kidney or liver disease from cannabis. 
   
   "In terms of the psychological problems it's different. If you drink heavily you'll get dementia eventually. But with cannabis, there's still a dispute." 
   
   Professor Murray said there were relatively few studies on the psychological effects of cannabis, and there was "still an argument" about whether the cognitive impairment of a cannabis user returns to normal after heavy use. 
   
   Psychological damage 
   
   
   
   "In terms of hallucinations that is much more common with cannabis. If you're lucky you'll recover. But if you smoke cannabis for many years you may develop schizophrenia." 
   
   Comparing the damage to non-users and society is difficult, said Professor Murray, mainly because one drug is legal and the other is not. 
   
   "At present, alcohol does much more damage than cannabis. But of course a huge proportion of the male population is drinking every day - sometimes heavily. Nothing like the same proportion are smoking cannabis every day." 
   
   In 2010, a study published in the Lancet on behalf of the independent scientific committee on drugs found that heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamine (crystal meth) were the most harmful drugs to individuals. 
   
   The most harmful drugs to those in contact with users were alcohol, crack cocaine and heroin.
target: – Despite efforts to reclassify marijuana down to a Schedule II (read: less dangerous) drug, there are some people who still insist on its dangers—and new research may back those theories up. Scientists at King's College London have discovered that smoking potent, or "skunklike," cannabis was tied to almost a quarter of all new psychosis cases they studied, the BBC reports. The study published in the Lancet compared 410 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who had experienced "first-episode psychosis" with 370 healthy patients. The results suggest that the development of psychosis—i.e., delusions and hallucinations—is three times greater for skunk smokers than for nonusers, and up to five times higher if they smoked it every day. Hashish, a milder form of cannabis that contains much less THC than the skunk variety, isn't linked to any increased risk for psychosis. English experts say that skunk cannabis is widespread, with one doctor telling the BBC, "In London, it's very difficult to find anything else." Anecdotal stories that back up the study's warnings are worrisome. One woman tells the BBC that, after smoking skunk pot, she "went from someone who had never experienced any mental health issues whatsoever to an absolute wreck." A recovering addict who's now a drug counselor tells Sky News that skunk is the "Incredible Hulk of cannabis [and is] absolutely decimating young people's lives." Still, despite the warnings, study researchers point out that, according to a 2010 study in the Lancet, the three most harmful drugs are alcohol, crack cocaine, and heroin; cannabis falls at No. 8, notes Channel 4 News. (It's not the first time suspicions have been raised linking skunk cannabis to psychosis.)