President Trump recently took action to ease federal restrictions on marijuana, continuing a trend toward greater access that began years ago when no states permitted recreational use. The move, enacted in December, could significantly alter regulation and expand opportunities for medical research, though it does not legalize recreational use nationwide.
Expert Insight:
The order directs the Attorney General to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic—alongside heroin and LSD—to a Schedule III drug, placing it in the same category as ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. This change could benefit the cannabis industry by easing tax burdens and facilitating access to financing.
However, the move comes amid growing evidence that legalization has led to increased consumption. Surveys indicate that approximately 18 million Americans now consume marijuana nearly daily, a significant increase from around six million in 2012 and less than one million in 1992. Currently, more Americans consume marijuana daily than consume alcohol.
Did You Know?
This increased use has been linked to a rise in addiction and related health problems, including nearly 2.8 million Americans annually experiencing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—characterized by intense vomiting and stomach pain—and more hospitalizations related to paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders.
Even as a return to outright prohibition is not advocated, the article emphasizes a distinction between prohibition and unregulated commercial legalization. A more effective approach, it suggests, would involve increased regulation, including federal taxation and restrictions on the potency of cannabis products. The article points to the example of alcohol and tobacco, both legal but subject to various controls.
The industry’s growth, reaching over $30 billion in sales in 2024, has also brought increased lobbying efforts and potential conflicts of interest, with companies prioritizing profits over public health. Some companies have even made unsubstantiated claims about the medicinal benefits of their products and marketed them in ways that appeal to children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Trump’s order do?
President Trump signed an order directing the Attorney General to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, moving it from the most restrictive category alongside heroin and LSD.
Has marijuana legalization led to increased consumption?
Yes, the article states that legalization has led to a much greater level of consumption, with approximately 18 million Americans now consuming marijuana almost daily.
What is “tolerance with a frown”?
“Tolerance with a frown” is a policy approach, popularized by Mark Kleiman, that maintains the legality of a drug while attempting to curb its negative consequences through regulation.
the article argues that a willingness to re-evaluate policies based on real-world impacts is crucial. Given the growing evidence of potential harms, a more cautious approach to marijuana consumption may be warranted.
