The order to place cannabis in the same category as Tylenol with codeine marks the most significant change in US drug policy since 1971.
Reclassification of Cannabis
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug, placing it in the same category as Tylenol with codeine. This move, while not legalizing cannabis federally, will permit expanded research into its potential benefits. The reclassification is the most significant shift in US drug policy in decades.
Reasons and Implications of the Change
Trump stated the change was a response to people suffering from severe pain, cancer, seizure disorders, and veterans with service-related injuries. The reclassification implies a 'moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence' according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency and will ease tax burdens for state-authorized cannabis dispensaries. The order also mandates officials to explore expanded access to cannabidiol (CBD) and study its health benefits and risks.
Political and Public Reaction
The order received praise from cannabis reform advocates who see it as a 'fundamental shift' empowering the industry. However, it faced resistance from some Republican lawmakers who expressed concerns about normalizing cannabis use, its health impacts, and links to impaired judgment, arguing against facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry. Despite this opposition, Gallup polls indicate that a majority of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.
