President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order that would expand access to cannabis, a long anticipated move that would mark the most significant shift in US drug policy in decades.
The order is expected to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug, placing it under the same category as Tylenol with codeine, according to multiple reports.
Even if recategorized, cannabis will remain illegal at the federal level. However, classifying it as a Schedule III narcotic would allow expanded research into its potential benefits.
Several Republican lawmakers have cautioned against the move, arguing it could normalize cannabis use.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency states that Schedule III narcotics have only a 'moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence'.
The executive order could come as soon as Thursday, although the timing may change, according to CBS news.
This new classification could also impact taxes for state-authorized cannabis dispensaries, which are currently barred from some tax deductions for selling Schedule I products.
Reports suggest the announcement may also include a pilot program offering reimbursements for cannabidiol (CBD) for certain conditions.
In recent years, a majority of US states have approved cannabis for medical use, with 24 states allowing recreational use. Since 1971, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I narcotic, indicating it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Trump mentioned, 'tremendous amounts of research that can't be done unless you reclassify', highlighting his support for changing the cannabis classification.
While the Biden administration previously proposed a similar reclassification, Trump's push reflects a long-standing desire to alter US cannabis policy.
He has stated, 'I believe it is time to end endless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.' He emphasized the need for smart regulations while ensuring access to safe products.
Despite this, resistance from some Republican lawmakers persists, with concerns about public health impacts and the belief that marijuana normalization would contradict economic growth initiatives.
Polling reveals that a majority of Americans now support legalizing marijuana, with 64% favoring legalization, although support among Republicans has waned slightly recently.
