Trump Considers Reclassification of Cannabis
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration may reclassify cannabis as a low-risk drug. This statement came during a press conference held in the White House Briefing Room.
He conveyed that this is a complex subject, stating, “We are considering reclassification and we will make the next decision over the next few weeks, and hope that the resolve will be right.” It seems he acknowledges the nuances involved.
When asked whether he might send mixed signals about marijuana while pushing for law enforcement reforms in Washington, D.C., Trump responded, “I’ve heard that it has something to do with medicine, I’ve heard that everything else and bad things, but it’s medical and I know because of the pain and various things.”
“Some people like it, others don’t like it,” he added, reflecting the divided opinions on cannabis use.
According to reports, Trump is considering moving cannabis from being a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 3 drug. Currently classified alongside heroin and LSD, Schedule 1 drugs are viewed as having no recognized medical use and a high potential for abuse.
On the other hand, Schedule 3 drugs are perceived to have moderate to low chances of dependence; think ketamine or anabolic steroids.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration reportedly aimed to ease restrictions on marijuana. A study highlighted by Breitbart News suggested that marijuana use among young adults could reach historical highs. Research from the University of Michigan Institute of Social Research also showed an increase in marijuana and hallucinogen use among adults aged 19 to 30 compared to a decade ago.
In the past year, both past and daily marijuana use reached unprecedented levels since monitoring began in 1988. Daily use jumped significantly from 11% in 2021, 8% in 2016, and 6% in 2011.
Similarly, reports of hallucinogen use are climbing. In 2021, 8% of young adults indicated they had used hallucinogens, the highest figure since that category was first tracked. In contrast, only 5% reported use in 2016 and 3% in 2011.
While alcohol continues to be a popular choice among younger adults, there has been a notable rise in heavy and intense drinking since the pandemic.
A recent study from the UK published in Lancet Psychiatry found that cannabis users, especially those consuming higher-potency products, are at an increased risk for addiction and mental health issues. Researchers noted that advanced cannabis users are “four times more likely” to develop dependency compared to those who use lower-potency varieties.
According to UN reports, there’s been a notable rise in individuals seeking treatment for cannabis addiction globally. In the U.S., approximately three million people are diagnosed with marijuana addiction, with European data showing a 76% increase in treatment over the past decade.
