Multi Media Journalist
President Trump signed an executive order in December to reschedule marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule III drug, signaling a significant shift in federal drug policy.
BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) – President Trump signed an executive order in December to reschedule marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule III drug, signaling a significant shift in federal drug policy.
This change would recognize the medical value of cannabis and ease research barriers allowing for larger clinical trials.
“It has been legal for a while, but I still think people were under the impression that it’s considered the same as the harder drugs you see out there,” said Kendra Reszke, manager of Puff Cannabis in Bay City.
Since 2018, marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Michigan. A lower classification to schedule III would categorize it with substances like anabolic steroids and certain opioids.
“And the fact that people will maybe feel more comfortable coming in here buying it using it for whatever medical reasons they need,” Reszke said.
The reclassification would not mean full federal legalization but could aid those in need of the drug for medical purposes.
“Especially for people in pain, cancer patients, people that just need help with the pain, help with eating, help with sleeping,” Reszke said.
The order also provides relief from IRS Code 280E, which has required cannabis operators to pay taxes on gross income rather than net income.
Most opposition to this move has come from certain conservative political groups and congressional Republicans, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
However, industry insiders remain optimistic.
“It’s kind of crazy it was ever scheduled the same as some of the harder drugs you hear about now…it’s nice it’s being recognized for its medicinal purposes and not as bad as we all used to make it out to be,” Reszke said.
Trump’s order instructs the attorney general and Drug Enforcement Administration to expedite the reclassification, though a timeline has not been provided.
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