On the 18th, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order to downgrade marijuana’s classification as a less dangerous drug, paving the way for more medical research on marijuana.
This long-awaited move makes marijuana no longer categorized with drugs deemed most dangerous such as heroin or LSD (also known as "Ecstasy" or "One Grain of Sand"), but it does not mean marijuana is legalized nationwide in the U.S.
Unrelated to Recreational Use
Trump stated that this order is “by no means allowing marijuana for recreational use,” but rather makes marijuana more available for “legitimate medical uses,” such as for cancer and chronic pain patients.
Trump said in the White House Oval Office: “Many people have pleaded with me to do this — people who have suffered from pain for decades. This measure is taken in response to the needs of American patients who suffer from severe pain, incurable diseases, aggressive cancers, epilepsy, neurological disorders, and more.”
Trump said: “Ordering a reclassification of marijuana will make marijuana-related medical research easier, so everyone can study its benefits, potential risks, and future treatments. This is bound to create a huge positive impact.”
Currently in the U.S., marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, the same as heroin. The U.S. government considers these drugs to have a high potential for abuse and not recognized for medical use.
Schedule III controlled substances, such as ketamine and synthetic steroids, are considered to have medical value and a lower risk of abuse.
Dozens of U.S. states have already approved legal medical marijuana programs, including many states like California that have also approved recreational use.
For clinical research on Schedule I controlled substances in the U.S., multiple reviews are required. The purpose of Trump’s decision is to lower the research threshold.
This move may also bring major benefits to businesses legally cultivating and selling marijuana. After the news broke, many marijuana producers saw their stock prices rise by 6% to 12%, but later gave back gains, closing down for the day.