Trump backs marijuana reclassification amid federal policy shift

Donald Trump has expressed support for reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, aligning his stance with that of Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent. This marks a significant shift in federal drug policy, reflecting growing public support for cannabis legalization. Trump announced his intentions on social media, emphasizing the need for research into marijuana's medical uses and indicating his support for a proposal to allow adult sales of marijuana in Florida. The reclassification process is already underway, initiated by President Joe Biden's call for a review, although the DEA has yet to make a final decision. This potential change would move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which includes substances like ketamine, but would not legalize recreational use outright. The shift comes as federal drug policy has not kept pace with state-level legalization, where 38 states have legalized medical marijuana and 24 have legalized recreational use. Public opinion has shifted dramatically, with a Gallup poll indicating that about 70% of adults now support legalization, a significant increase from 30% in 2000. Young voters, a crucial demographic in battleground states, show even higher support for cannabis reform. The U.S. Cannabis Council believes that cannabis reform could be a pivotal issue in the upcoming election. Despite the momentum, the proposed reclassification faces opposition from some advocates and attorneys general in various states, who argue that there is insufficient data to support such a change. The outcome of this policy shift could have lasting implications for drug enforcement and public health in the United States.