Griffen Thorne Speaks With Pulmonology Advisor About Potential Legal Impact of Marijuana Reclassification

Los Angeles, Calif. (March 20, 2025) - Los Angeles Partner Griffen J. Thorne recently spoke with Pulmonology Advisor about the potential legal ramifications of the reclassification of marijuana, which is currently being considered by federal lawmakers.

The article, titled "What Does the Reclassification of Marijuana Mean for Physicians," opens by noting that there has been renewed momentum among some members of Congress to possibly downgrade marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance - the highest classification carrying the most legal restrictions - to Schedule III. The piece then delves into what such a change could mean for physicians and patients.

Mr. Thorne told Pulmonology Advisor that reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III would likely not have much of an impact for the average user. Under that lower classification, marijuana users could still face the threat of penalties or jail time for possession and use of the drug from federal law enforcement or law enforcement in states that have yet to pass legislation regulating marijuana.

"The idea that no one will be arrested is inaccurate," he said. Only a move to entirely de-schedule marijuana on the federal level would eliminate the possibility of penalties or jail time for users, he explained.

However, Mr. Thorne added that the reclassification of marijuana to Schedule III could reduce tax burdens for state-licensed cannabis businesses and also permit more widespread research on the drug, which, the article stated, "may have downstream effects on clinical practices and social stigmas."

Mr. Thorne is a corporate and transactional attorney and Chair of the Lewis Brisbois Cannabis, Hemp, and Regulated Substances Practice. Griffen guides businesses through the complexities of M&A and corporate transactions, as well as real estate leasing, acquisition, development, and finance transactions.

Griffen has years of experience representing entrepreneurs, investors, startups, financial institutions, and operating businesses in the cannabis and hemp industries in transactional, licensing, and regulatory matters. He has been designated as an expert in cannabis litigation, regularly contributes to legal and industry publications, leads panels, and provides insights to media outlets like the Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, MarketWatch, Bloomberg Law, and Law360.

Read the full Pulmonology Advisor article here.