“The DEA’s decision flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion. The reality is that half of U.S. states have already passed effective laws allowing patients legal access to medical cannabis, and it is changing lives,” National Cannabis Industry Association Executive Director Aaron Smith said in a statement Wednesday night.

“Continuing marijuana prohibition forces critically ill people to suffer needlessly, leaves life-changing treatments undeveloped, and keeps patients and providers in limbo between state and federal laws,” Smith said.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/feds_reject_petitions_to_allow_medical_research_on.html