Trump Considers Possible Changes to Marijuana Status

• Trump is discussing changes in the regulation of marijuana.
• 40 states allow medical use of marijuana.
• Nearly 60% of voters support legalization.

President Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of changing the status of marijuana, which could lead to federal policy being accepted in many states. Trump stated that he hopes to make a decision in the coming weeks regarding whether to support changes in the regulation of marijuana.

This new interest in marijuana has emerged more than a year after the administration of former President Joe Biden prohibited changing the status of marijuana. Previously, before Biden's departure from office, no decision was made regarding this matter.

At this moment, in 40 states and Washington, D.C., medical use of marijuana is permitted, while 24 states have legalized its recreational use. However, in some states, there have recently been failures in efforts to legalize marijuana.

Federal Policy on Marijuana

Currently, possession of marijuana is a federal crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The sale or cultivation of marijuana is considered a more serious crime, for which one can be sentenced to imprisonment from five years to life.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice proposed reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I (along with heroin and LSD) to a less dangerous Schedule III category. This process takes time and includes several bureaucratic stages.

What Would Change the Status?

Reclassification of marijuana would not make it legal for recreational use at the federal level, but it would change the way it is regulated and taxed. This could also facilitate further research, as scientific studies on narcotics in Schedule I are complicated.

Position and Support

Trump noted that he is discussing the advantages and disadvantages of changing the marijuana policy, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. Some conservative groups and legal organizations are advocating against changing the status, pointing out the potential risks involved.

Surveys show that nearly 60% of voters support the legalization of recreational marijuana. Support for legalization has increased from 36% in 2005 to 68% in 2023.

Tags: USA/Politics