Trump orders cannabis reclassification, expanding access amid policy shift

BBC
BBC
1d ago
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Trump's order reclassifies cannabis to Schedule III, easing research and tax restrictions while keeping federal illegality intact.
Trump orders cannabis reclassification, expanding access amid policy shift
A What happened
President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to Schedule III, lowering its classification to that of drugs like Tylenol with codeine. This change allows expanded research into cannabis's benefits and grants tax advantages to state-legal cannabis businesses, although cannabis remains illegal federally. Trump emphasized the medical need of patients suffering from chronic pain and other ailments. The move reflects shifting public attitudes and state policies legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use. While some Republican lawmakers warned against normalizing cannabis and cited health concerns, advocacy groups welcomed the change as a structural shift in drug and social policy. This executive order follows a stalled DEA proposal under the Biden administration and aims to prompt Congress and health officials to further study cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis effects.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Shift in Federal Drug Policy: Reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III signifies a major federal policy change, moving away from the strictest controls and recognizing potential medical use, aligning federal treatment more closely with the evolving state-level legal

  • 2

    Expansion of Cannabis Research and Industry Impact: Eased restrictions on research allow scientific evaluation of cannabis benefits and risks, while tax rule changes can enhance financial viability for legal cannabis businesses, potentially accelerating industry growth and investment.

  • 3

    Political Division Reflects Broader Social Debate: Republican resistance emphasizes health and social concerns about cannabis normalization, illustrating ongoing ideological divides that could influence future legislative and regulatory decision-making on drug policy.

Takeaways

The executive order marks a significant but measured federal step toward cannabis normalization, balancing expanded medical access and research with persistent political and legal challenges.

Topics

Health & Medicine Medicine World & Politics Policy & Regulation

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