On Monday, President Donald Trump indicated that a decision regarding the potential easing of federal marijuana restrictions will be made “over the coming weeks.”
The topic has certainly generated buzz since last Friday, with various outlets like the Wall Street Journal and CNN documenting how influencers are mobilizing to influence the administration’s stance. But while Trump faces this significant choice, it’s worth noting that easing those restrictions aligns more closely with the Biden administration’s push for such changes. Honestly, it raises questions about whether this is grounded in science or politics.
To provide some context: The Controlled Substances Act categorizes drugs into five schedules based on their medical use and potential for abuse. Currently, marijuana is classified under Schedule I, which includes substances deemed to have no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse.
Despite the absence of accepted medical uses for marijuana itself—though approved drugs utilize different cannabinoids—data show that usage can lead to a serious risk of addiction, with estimates suggesting a 30% addiction rate. Interestingly, under President Biden, the Health and Human Services Department recommended moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This decision seems politically motivated, deviating from established guidelines.
Consider the argument that some medical uses are accepted because certain states permit doctors to prescribe it. Yet, that doesn’t genuinely equate to medical approval or safety; those laws are heavily influenced by political factors rather than scientific evidence.
For instance, in Pennsylvania alone, 17 doctors issued over 132,000 medical marijuana certifications in 2022. Doesn’t that sound a bit questionable in terms of medical validation?
Moreover, the administration has claimed credible evidence supports medical usage of marijuana. Yet, studies indicate that the drug may not alleviate chronic pain and could even lower pain thresholds, leading to more significant issues, such as a higher risk of cardiovascular death found in research published in the British Medical Journal.
Researchers have also highlighted links between marijuana use and increased rates of suicide, psychosis, and heart disease in teenagers. So, the belief that science backs the Biden administration’s recommendations feels… misguided at best.
It’s clear that this isn’t just a partisan issue; marijuana raises serious public health concerns. Biden’s recommendation to reschedule it was a mistake, and if the Trump administration follows suit, it could lead to even more costly missteps.
There’s also the complication of tax incentives for marijuana companies, which could exacerbate these issues. It’s a troubling scenario for the future.
Ultimately, while Trump has established himself as a leader with a distinct approach to policy, he faces the challenge of crafting his legacy responsibly. The risks tied to easing marijuana restrictions are numerous, and it’s crucial for him to realize that this is an area where revisiting past decisions may endanger public health.
