Medical Marijuana ProCon.org HOME | CLOSE

1. Name: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
2. Medical Marijuana Position: Con to the question "Should marijuana be a medical option?"
3. Reasoning:

"Illegal drugs with no approved medical use--such as heroin and marijuana--are under the jurisdiction of the Drug Enforcement Administration. FDA assists DEA in deciding how stringent DEA controls should be on drugs that are medically accepted but that have a strong potential for abuse." (4/2/01)

4. Credibility Ranking:

 Those individuals and organizations involved in the Medical Marijuana debate which do not fit into the other star categories.
5. Organization  
  A. Description:

An agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

  B. Mission:

"The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health."

  C. Structure: Government Agency
  D. Members /
    Constituents:		 Non-membership
  E. Annual Budget:

"The President's budget request for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fiscal year (FY) 2004 (Oct. 1, 2003 - Sept. 30, 2004) totals $1.7 billion, including $1.4 billion in budget authority and $300 million in user fees."
  F. Sr. Executive: Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
  G. Title: Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs
  H. Contact Info:
Phone: (888) 463-6332   Fax: None listed
E-Mail:  None listed
Web Site: www.fda.gov
  I: # of offices: Not listed
  J: Staff: Not listed
6. Relevant Affiliations: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
TOP HOME | CLOSE