President Donald Trump is reportedly considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance, a move that could ease federal restrictions and open the door for expanded medical marijuana research.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump shared his interest in pursuing this change at a recent $1-million-a-plate fundraiser held at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Several high-profile attendees from the cannabis industry, including Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve — a major marijuana company — were present and reportedly encouraged the president to move forward with the reclassification and support more extensive research into medical uses for marijuana.
Marijuana currently remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification places it alongside substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin.
Reclassifying marijuana to a lower schedule would reduce federal restrictions, potentially allowing for easier access, increased research opportunities, and broader legal protections for marijuana-related businesses and consumers.
The Wall Street Journal report notes that pot companies have invested millions into Trump-aligned political groups and hired influential lobbyists and advisers in Washington to push for reforms, a strategy that appears to be gaining traction, per the New York Post.
This development follows efforts during the Biden administration to address marijuana classification.
Former President Joe Biden had been considering a similar reclassification to make it easier for individuals to buy and sell cannabis and to broaden medical research, but no formal action was taken before the 2024 election, which saw Trump return to the White House.
Trump’s reported interest in marijuana reform also comes after his public support last year for a Florida ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana. That initiative narrowly missed the required 60 percent voter approval to pass.
Several states have moved ahead with marijuana legalization independent of federal policy. New York, for example, legalized medical marijuana in 2016 and recreational marijuana in 2021, reflecting a growing trend of state-level legalization despite marijuana’s Schedule I status at the federal level.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized that all legal and policy implications are currently under consideration. “The only interest guiding the president’s policy decisions is what is in the best interest of the American people,” she said in a statement responding to the report.
If marijuana is reclassified, medical researchers could gain easier access to the drug for studies, potentially advancing understanding of its benefits and risks. Furthermore, businesses within the cannabis industry might face fewer regulatory hurdles, which could encourage investment and growth.
The cannabis industry and advocates for marijuana reform have closely watched federal actions on the issue, as changes in classification could lead to significant shifts in regulations and market dynamics nationwide.
No formal timeline has been provided for when the administration might announce any official policy changes regarding marijuana classification.
The post Trump Considers Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug: Report appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Anthony Gonzalez
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