President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, marking a significant shift in U.S. drug policy. The reclassification will not legalize marijuana at the federal level but will allow for expanded research into its potential benefits. Currently, marijuana is classified alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, which are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The decision comes amid mixed reactions. House Republicans, led by Rep. Pete Sessions and Andy Harris, have expressed concerns, arguing that the reclassification could normalize cannabis use and worsen the nation's addiction crisis. They argue that marijuana is addictive and has no medical value, urging President Trump to reconsider his decision.

Despite the opposition, the reclassification could have implications for state-authorized cannabis dispensaries, allowing them to benefit from certain tax deductions previously unavailable due to the Schedule I classification. The move is also expected to facilitate more comprehensive research into cannabis's medical uses, which has been limited under the current classification.

While the reclassification proposal has faced resistance from some Republican lawmakers, public opinion appears to support the change. A Gallup poll indicates that 64% of Americans favor legalizing marijuana, though support among Republicans has decreased slightly.

Simon Conway