Reclassification

As the founder of Swiitleaf, a legal hemp company working tirelessly to obtain cannabis licenses
and promote responsible, regulated access to cannabis, I am deeply committed to advancing
fair and science-based drug policies. But my passion for this cause is personal. I lost my
husband to fentanyl-tainted street drugs, a tragedy that fuels my fight for change every single
day.
 

Today, I want to share why I am in strong support of reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to
Schedule III—and why I ask others to stand with me in pushing for this vital reform.
 

A Personal Wake-Up Call
 

Losing my husband to a fentanyl-laced street drug opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the
illegal drug market. It’s a dangerous, unpredictable world that preys on vulnerable individuals,
often with devastating consequences. My husband’s death was a preventable tragedy, and it
made me realize how critical it is to create a safer, more responsible pathway for people seeking
relief or medicinal benefits from cannabis.
 

Why Reclassification Matters
 

Currently, marijuana's Schedule I status under the federal law labels it as having no accepted
medical use and a high potential for abuse. This outdated classification prevents thorough

research, limits safe access, and keeps the industry in a shadowy gray area.
 

Rescheduling it to Schedule III would be a game-changer:
- Unlock Medical Potential: It would allow researchers to study cannabis more freely, helping us
understand its true medical benefits and risks. This could lead to more effective, safer
treatments for chronic pain, mental health issues, and addiction recovery.
- Reduce Harm and Overdose Deaths: Evidence suggests that access to regulated medical & recreational medical cannabis can decrease reliance on opioids. Given the opioid crisis claiming hundreds of thousands of
lives—many of which involve fentanyl—this could be a critical tool in saving lives.
- Support Economic Growth and Regulated Access: Rescheduling would enable responsible,
legal businesses to operate openly, creating jobs and ensuring quality standards that protect
consumers.
 

Why You Should Support This Change

 

If you care about saving lives, protecting public health, and creating a more just and informed
approach to cannabis, then supporting reclassification is vital. It’s about shifting from outdated
stigmas to evidence-based policies that prioritize safety, research, and compassion.
For those who have lost loved ones like I have, this fight is personal. Every step toward
rescheduling is a step toward reducing the harm caused by illicit markets, preventing overdoses,
and opening doors for healing and hope.
 

Take Action
 

I urge you—whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, a concerned citizen, or
someone advocating for justice—to voice your support. Reach out to your representatives,
share your stories, and demand that our policies reflect the science and the needs of our
communities. Together, we can change the narrative around marijuana, save lives, and build a safer, more
compassionate future. #fentanyl #GetTheFacts
 

Join me in this movement. The time to act is now.
 

— Octavia, Founder of Swiitleaf