If Trump actually goes through with reclassification, it would be a long-overdue recognition that marijuana laws have been out of touch with reality for decades. This change would provide crucial tax benefits to struggling cannabis businesses, enable vital medical research and align federal policy with the 45 states that have already legalized marijuana use.
While some might celebrate reclassification, moving marijuana to Schedule III would send dangerous mixed messages while the administration is attempting to crack down on crime. Reclassification doesn't address the real societal costs of increased marijuana use and addiction rates that have risen significantly over the past decade. Hopefully, President Trump won't go through with it.
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