Trump on Potential Marijuana Policy Changes

President Donald Trump shared on Monday that a decision regarding the loosening of federal marijuana restrictions could be coming “over the next few weeks.”

This topic has gained significant attention recently, especially following reports from outlets like The Wall Street Journal and CNN. There seems to be a concerted effort from MAGA supporters to influence the administration on this matter.

However, as Trump navigates this important decision, it’s critical to remember that easing federal regulations aligns more closely with a policy proposal from the Biden administration. Based on scientific evidence, this idea probably shouldn’t have even been proposed. To maintain the public’s health, it would be wise for President Trump to turn it down.

A bit of background: The Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into five schedules based on their accepted medical uses and potential for abuse.

Drugs that lack accepted medical use and carry a high risk of abuse are categorized as Schedule I. That’s the current classification for marijuana, and many believe that’s where it belongs.

While two specific cannabinoids are utilized in FDA-approved medicines, marijuana itself lacks medical approval. Moreover, evidence indicates a substantial risk of addiction, with government statistics pointing to a 30% addiction rate.

Under President Biden, the Health and Human Services Department in 2023 suggested reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Unfortunately, this recommendation appears to be driven more by political motives than scientific validity, breaking with long-standing precedent.

For instance, the administration claims that marijuana has an accepted medical use because certain states allow doctors to recommend it. But, really, medicine should rely on scientific research, not on political influences or voter decisions. The laws permitting these recommendations aren’t based on science; they stem from political agendas.

Take Pennsylvania, where in 2022, 17 physicians granted over 132,000 medical marijuana certifications, which accounted for nearly one-third of the total that year.

Does that really sound like a medically sound decision?

The Biden administration also claimed that credible evidence supports medical use for marijuana.

That’s not accurate.

When considering chronic pain, a common condition for which marijuana is used, evidence suggests it doesn’t alleviate pain. In fact, it may lower pain thresholds. A significant review from the British Medical Journal in June found a doubled risk of cardiovascular death associated with marijuana.

Additionally, research from Sorbonne scholars in May indicated that marijuana use could increase risks of suicidality, psychosis, and heart disease in teenagers by 85%.

The science ultimately does not back up the Biden administration’s decision. It appears more about some perceived political advantage in a time when domestic issues are affecting the president’s approval ratings. Meanwhile, marijuana seems to be losing support as communities grapple with legalization’s effects.

President Trump has built his identity around opposing his predecessor’s policies. So, it begs the question, why would he endorse a decision that is both risky and unsupported by scientific evidence?

Moreover, he has pledged to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.

Aiding a drug associated with depression, suicidality, and psychosis directly contradicts that promise.

Furthermore, rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would allow marijuana businesses to claim regular tax deductions, including for marketing expenses. This could dramatically boost their profitability and outreach, resulting in further adverse consequences.

This issue isn’t solely a partisan one; it raises significant public health concerns.

Biden’s HHS was misguided in advocating for rescheduling; if the Trump administration pursues the same path, it would be making a major error.

Such a choice would undermine the president’s recent executive order aimed at open-air drug use, public disorder, and harm reduction, which should be grounded in both evidence and compassion for those affected by substance use as well as their communities.

Some ideas belong in the past, as they threaten our future.

President Trump needs to recognize that this is one of them.