Trump Set to Sign Executive Order Reclassifying Marijuana, Say Officials
President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order aimed at reclassifying marijuana. Officials indicate that this may occur as early as Wednesday. The proposed change will shift marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III classification under Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) guidelines.
Impact of Reclassifying Marijuana
Currently, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug, which indicates a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs, however, are recognized to have moderate to low potential for dependence and lower abuse risks. This reclassification is seen as a significant step in easing federal restrictions on marijuana.
Reasons Behind the Executive Order
- The order is expected to highlight the hindrances that the current scheduling imposes on scientific research concerning marijuana.
- It aims to address the delay in reclassifying marijuana, which has prevented Americans from accessing potentially beneficial medical treatments.
- Trump has expressed that the reclassification could facilitate extensive research into medical marijuana’s efficacy, particularly in treating chronic pain.
In a recent statement, Trump noted that many are advocating for this change. He emphasized the potential for “tremendous amounts of research” that can only occur after reclassification. The administration has been contemplating this move since August, with growing discussions on its complexities.
Public and Medical Reception
Trump acknowledged hearing positive reports about the benefits of medical marijuana. This reflects a growing public interest in the therapeutic uses of cannabis. By easing restrictions, the executive order could pave the way for advancements in medical research and applications.
According to reports, CNN was the first to cover the anticipated executive order, which signals a significant shift in federal drug policy regarding marijuana.
