Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order easing federal regulations on marijuana, marking the biggest shift in federal drug policy in decades. Yesterday, President Trump signed a historic executive order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic (the same group as heroin) to a Schedule III narcotic (the same group as common painkillers, ketamine, testosterone, and cough syrup containing codeine), classifying it as a less dangerous substance. This signifies federal recognition of marijuana's medical potential, marking one of the most significant federal marijuana policy changes in decades and potentially transforming the industry, reducing criminal penalties, paving the way for billions of dollars in research funding, and opening previously closed doors for banks and investors.
According to Thai News Agency, this order is not a 100% legalization of cannabis. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level and is also subject to varying local laws across the country. Cannabis use remains subject to strict restrictions and criminal penalties. Furthermore, products containing cannabis may face stricter scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the future to meet Schedule 3 drug standards.
Supporters of cannabis legalization in the country view this easing of regulations as a major first step, but continue to push for its complete removal from the list of controlled substances (descheduling), to be treated like alcohol or tobacco. Meanwhile, some senators are concerned that this relaxation could impact public safety and send the wrong signal to youth.
Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the world and in the United States, with nearly one in five Americans using marijuana each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Millions of Americans have been arrested for marijuana possession, even as many publicly traded businesses sell marijuana-related products.