During a recent $1 million fundraiser in New Jersey, President Donald Trump mentioned he is considering changing the classification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This potential reclassification has been confirmed by Trump himself.
One of Trump’s dedicated supporters expressed optimism that the president will ultimately decide to loosen marijuana restrictions.
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Since 1970, cannabis has been categorized as a Schedule I drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which claims it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the discussion at the fundraiser about Schedule III drugs was part of an effort by cannabis companies to encourage Trump to promote reclassification, especially since the Biden administration has not moved in that direction.
Among the attendees were Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, various cryptocurrency executives, a political advisor close to Trump, and Kim Rivers, the CEO of Trulieve, a major cannabis company known for donating $750,000 to Trump’s inauguration.
One attendee relayed to the Journal that Rivers encouraged Trump to consider reclassification, to which Trump acknowledged the matter with his staff present.
The topic of reclassification seems to have been on Trump’s radar for quite some time.
James Hagedorn, CEO of Scottsmiracle-Gro, mentioned that Trump had indicated he and others discussed reclassifying marijuana “multiple times.”
Back when Trump endorsed a Florida Constitutional Amendment last year aimed at legalizing marijuana for adults over 21, he promised that if re-elected, he would keep focusing on research to promote medical marijuana under Schedule III.
After announcing a federal initiative for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, Trump found himself asked about his approach to both crime and drug policies, especially in light of potential marijuana reclassification.
“Marijuana use is associated with a 40% increase in the risk of psychosis,” he noted, acknowledging differing opinions on marijuana’s effects. He remarked that some people support it while others oppose the concept entirely, expressing concern about its impact on children and older individuals.
Trump commented that this is a “very complicated subject,” and he has heard the benefits and drawbacks associated with it.
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Charlie Kirk, a CEO and ally of Trump from Turning Point USA, commented on the Journal’s report, expressing his hope that reclassification doesn’t occur.
“We need to protect our public spaces for kids,” Kirk argued, voicing frustration with the pervasive smell of cannabis in many areas. He emphasized the need to avoid compromising public spaces.
Kirk also mentioned in his April interview with Bill Maher the concerns over the potential negative impacts of reclassification.
In a similar vein, another perspective shared by the executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana included alarming predictions about crime and mental health issues if marijuana is rescheduled.
He pointed out that rescheduling could lead to profitable tax incentives for large cannabis producers, raising concerns over higher levels of THC products potentially raising risks for mental health issues.
Data from the CDC indicates that approximately 30% of cannabis users may develop a cannabis use disorder, which implies a dependency that may adversely affect their lives.
Canada legalized marijuana nationwide in 2018, noting a connection between cannabis use and a significant increase in mental health issues, particularly psychosis, especially among young users.
For instance, a systematic review released by JAMA emphasizes potential risks from cannabis use during pregnancy, which can lead to issues like low birth weight.
This review also indicated an increased risk of miscarriage associated with cannabis use.
Paul Larkin, senior researcher at the Heritage Foundation, recently criticized the Biden administration’s recommendation to reclassify cannabis, mentioning insufficient acknowledgment of the negative effects associated with its use.
Larkin and collaborator Dr. Bertha Madras highlighted the lack of a medical consensus on marijuana as a valid treatment for health issues, arguing that available evidence favoring it appears to be of low quality.
In response to inquiries, the Department of Health and Human Services stated that they follow scientific methods to evaluate drug safety and efficacy.
Concerns about public safety and health risks were echoed by critics who implore against marijuana reclassification, suggesting it could exacerbate issues related to addiction and crime.
As of now, medical use of marijuana is legal in 48 states and Washington, D.C., with recreational use permitted in at least 24 states. A surge in marijuana acceptance coinciding with changing media portrayals may have contributed to shifting attitudes.
In November, Gallup reported that the percentage of Americans identifying as marijuana users has climbed sharply since 2013, reflecting a significant cultural shift.
