Trump Reclassifies Marijuana as Less Dangerous with New Order
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in cannabis policy by signing an executive order. This directive reclassifies marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.
Impact of Trump’s Executive Order on Marijuana Classification
This change is poised to ease restrictions on marijuana research and certain regulations, but it stops short of making cannabis legal nationally. The new classification allows for a pilot program that will reimburse Medicare patients for products containing CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabis derivative.
Details of the Reclassification
- Previous Classification: Schedule I, which included heroin.
- New Classification: Schedule III, which includes certain prescription pain medications like ketamine.
- Legal Status: Recreational use remains illegal at the federal level.
Despite this reclassification, senior administration officials clarified that it would not change law enforcement’s approach to marijuana-related arrests. Furthermore, the adjustment requires a formal rule-making process by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Benefits of the Reclassification
The executive order may facilitate scientific research on cannabis. Additionally, it is expected to relieve some burdens from the legal cannabis industry by:
- Reducing strict federal tax penalties.
- Improving access to banking services.
For years, the classification of marijuana as a dangerous and highly addictive substance faced substantial criticism. Moving it to Schedule III indicates a federal recognition of its medical benefits and a lower risk of abuse than previously acknowledged.
