President Donald Trump took a big step Thursday by signing an executive order to speed up the move of marijuana from a top danger list to a lower one. This change could open doors for more medical research and help folks with tough health problems. But it sparked fights from some in his own party, even as polls show most Americans back the idea.
Trump’s order tells the attorney general to wrap up the process of shifting marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III as fast as possible. Schedule I drugs, like heroin, face the strictest rules because they have no accepted medical use and high abuse risk. Moving to Schedule III puts marijuana with drugs that have real medical value but still some danger, like certain painkillers.
This shift does not make marijuana legal across the board. It just eases federal blocks on studies and some business rules. The White House said the goal is to boost research on medical marijuana and CBD, a key part from the plant.
Experts note this could lead to better treatments for pain, nausea, and seizures. One doctor called it a game-changer for how we study cannabis in the US.
The order also pushes for ways to get full-spectrum CBD products to patients through their health plans. Starting next year, Medicare Advantage users might cover regulated hemp-based items.
GOP Lawmakers Push Back Hard Against the Change
Some Republican leaders in the House and Senate tried to stop Trump right before he signed. A group of 22 Senate Republicans sent a letter warning about health risks and economic hits. They said easing rules could worsen addiction issues in the country.
House conservatives wrote too, calling it a big mistake that harms the fight against drugs. They fear it sends the wrong message to young people and boosts illegal markets.
Trump brushed off these worries during the signing event. He said the pushback ignores what people really want and the real help cannabis offers.
This split shows deep divides in the party on drug policy. While some see reform as smart, others stick to tough stances from past years.
Strong Public Support Fuels Trump’s Decision
Polls back Trump’s move big time. A recent survey found 82 percent of Americans approve of rescheduling marijuana. This comes from a Gallup poll in November that showed 70 percent favor full legalization, with even more for medical uses.
Trump highlighted this support, saying it proves the order matches what folks across the land feel. He pointed out that millions use cannabis for health reasons already in states where it’s allowed.
The president got personal too. He shared stories from friends battling cancer who found relief from anxiety, nausea, and pain with marijuana. These tales underline why the reform matters to everyday people.
Support cuts across party lines, though Trump’s voters lag a bit. Still, the numbers show a clear shift in views over time.
Health Benefits and Research Boost from the Shift
The order opens up new paths for science. Researchers can now get easier access to marijuana for tests on things like chronic pain and mental health.
One key win is for CBD products. Full-spectrum versions, which keep more natural parts of the plant, could soon reach patients via doctors and insurance. This might help those with epilepsy or inflammation.
To show the change clearly, here’s a quick look at drug schedules:
| Schedule | Examples | Medical Use | Abuse Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Heroin, LSD | None accepted | High |
| III | Anabolic steroids, ketamine | Accepted | Moderate |
This table highlights why the move to III is a big deal for medical progress.
Benefits could touch many lives. For instance, veterans with PTSD might find better options. Families dealing with sick loved ones could see hope in approved treatments.
Looking Ahead to Broader Impacts on Americans
As the process speeds up, businesses in legal states stand to gain. Tax rules that hurt cannabis firms could ease, letting them grow and create jobs. The industry, already worth billions, might boom more.
Patients in rural areas or without easy access could benefit from wider research. But experts warn it won’t fix everything overnight. Federal and state laws still clash in places.
Trump’s action builds on years of state-level changes. Over half the states allow medical use, and more than 20 have recreational too. This federal nudge could smooth those paths.
The order calls for work with Congress on CBD access. That might mean new laws to cover costs for seniors on Medicare.
In the end, this reform brings real hope to those in pain and pushes science forward. It challenges old fears and embraces what works for health. Trump’s stand against party pushback shows a leader listening to the people over politics.
