In a significant policy shift, President Trump has signed an executive order that reclassifies marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.
This move, which does not legalize marijuana for recreational use, is seen as a step towards acknowledging the potential medical benefits of the substance.
According to Gateway Pundit, the President stated during the signing, "Marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered." He further added, "Prescription pain killers have legitimate uses, but also can do damage. I promised to be the president of common sense. Thats exactly what I am doing."
The President was clear in his stance that this order does not equate to the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. He emphasized, "I want to emphasize that the order I am about to sign is not the legalization or does it legalize marijuana in any way, shape, or form and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug it has nothing to do with that."
The White House released a comprehensive statement detailing the purpose and policy behind this executive order. It highlighted the need for Americans to have access to the best medical treatments and research infrastructure. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed a review of the medical use of marijuana and found scientific support for its use to treat anorexia related to a medical condition, nausea and vomiting, and pain.
The statement also pointed out that chronic pain affects nearly 1 in 4 United States adults and more than 1 in 3 United States seniors, and 6 in 10 people who use medical marijuana report doing so to manage pain.
The statement also addressed the current classification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). It explained that Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision. On the other hand, Schedule III drugs are classified as having a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in Schedules I and II, a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a potential for moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence in the event of drug abuse.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had recommended in 2023 that marijuana be controlled under Schedule III of the CSA. This recommendation was based on a determination that medical marijuana has a currently accepted medical use.
This determination was supported by findings from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health and the FDA, which found credible scientific support to substantiate the use of marijuana in the treatment of pain, anorexia related to certain medical conditions, and nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.
The statement also highlighted the Federal Governments long delay in recognizing the medical use of marijuana and how it has not served Americans who report health benefits from the medical use of marijuana to ease chronic pain and other various medically recognized ailments. It emphasized the need for the Federal Government to improve the research infrastructure for medical marijuana to better serve Americans.
The executive order also addressed the issue of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydracannabinol (THC) the two primary cannabinoids in medical marijuana. It noted that hemp-derived cannabinoid products have shown potential to improve patient symptoms for common ailments and are frequently used by Americans. However, it also pointed out that the current legal landscape leaves American patients and doctors without adequate guidance or product safeguards for CBD.
The policy of the Trump administration, as outlined in the executive order, is to increase medical marijuana and CBD research to better inform patients and doctors. It aims to close the gap between current medical marijuana and CBD use and medical knowledge of risks and benefits, including for specific populations and conditions.
The executive order also directed the Attorney General to take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the CSA in the most expeditious manner in accordance with Federal law. It also called for the development of a regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including development of guidance on an upper limit on milligrams of THC per serving with considerations on per container limits and CBD to THC ratio requirements.
This move by President Trump underscores his commitment to common-sense policies that prioritize the health and wellbeing of Americans. It also reflects a conservative approach that respects individual freedom and the potential benefits of medical marijuana, while maintaining a firm stance against its recreational use.
This executive order is a significant step towards acknowledging the potential medical benefits of marijuana, while ensuring that its use is carefully regulated and monitored.
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