Trump Softens Stance, U.S. Plans to Downgrade Marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3
AFP, Washington, 15th - U.S. President Trump said today that the government may push for federal relaxation of marijuana regulations, reclassifying it as a less dangerous drug.
When asked by the media if the administration was discussing related executive orders, Trump confirmed: "We are considering this."
"Many people want to see (marijuana) reclassified, because if it is not reclassified, it will prevent a large amount of research from being conducted, so we are seriously studying this issue."
Currently, at the federal level, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, in the same category as heroin and LSD. The government considers these drugs to have a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use.
However, dozens of states across the country have established legal medical marijuana programs, and many states have also approved marijuana for recreational use.
According to a recent disclosure by The Washington Post, Trump plans to push for reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance; this category of drugs is considered to have medical value and a lower potential for abuse.
Schedule III controlled substances include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
Reclassification does not equate to legalization or decriminalization, but easing federal restrictions could have a chain reaction, one of which is lowering the threshold for research, as clinical trials involving Schedule I controlled substances require multiple approvals.
This move could also have significant tax implications for businesses legally growing and selling marijuana.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851658980763867/
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