BRANDON, Fla. — The Department of Justice has proposed to reclassify marijuana, potentially categorizing it as a less dangerous drug. However, opponents argue that there is sufficient evidence to support keeping its current classification.
A report from the National Library of Medicine suggests that heavy cannabis use is linked to a small increase in the risk of developing depressive disorders.
Supporters say the change could lead to a significant expansion of the medical marijuana industry and opportunities for scientists in the field.
Casey Magee is the lead potency chemist at Method Testing Labs in Brandon. Her original career goals involved working in a crime lab after studying forensic biology. But in 2018, the cannabis industry piqued her interest, and she found that her skills were transferable.
“It’s a lot of the same science and the same method, so jump in and get into a similar setting,” said Magee.
She checks the quality of cannabis products before they are put on store shelves. Between 60 to 100 samples from Florida businesses come through the lab daily. Casey says that the volume could grow significantly if marijuana is reclassified as a less dangerous drug.
”A lot of people use this as medicine, so it is really important,” said Magee.
The business has expanded and relocated to the Brandon office with more than 30 employees, closing its Tampa branch.
“We’re doing a lot of good for the community,” Senior Lab Director Roy Sorensen said they are preparing for the next shift in the industry. “There is a lot of need for medical patients out there. What we are doing is we are trying to keep the consumer safe.
“To see where we are at today, I don’t think we could have predicted 10 years ago. Today the growth, even with some of the limits in the capital we have, it’s pretty impressive. I think it just shows the need.”
Because marijuana is legal in some states but illegal at the federal level, the industry has struggled to gain access to bank services. It’s something analysts say could change if marijuana is reclassified.
“We are anticipating a 2 to 3 point full growth in our business of testing,” he said.
This spring, Magee graduated with her Master’s in Cannabis Science from the University of Maryland-Baltimore as part of their fourth graduating class. She continues to learn on the job and academically. She mentioned that a lot has changed in a few short years.
“There’s been so much more inclusion, so much more diversity, and it’s really what’s progressed,” she said. “The industry, I think the more people, the more minds that we have in this industry, the better it’s going to be,” said Magee.