Today, amid reports that President Trump will direct federal agencies to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:
“I was encouraged to see the Drug Enforcement Administration first move to reschedule marijuana under President Biden, and I urge President Trump to follow through on this effort. Common sense tells us marijuana should not be in the same category as deadly drugs like heroin, and reclassifying it is a long overdue and small step forward to create economic opportunity, support research into marijuana’s medical benefits, and increase public safety. However, there is still far more work that must be done. I will continue to advocate for the full descheduling of marijuana and for expunging the records of Americans convicted of marijuana possession.”
Unlike other Schedule I substances, like heroin, marijuana is not associated with the same acute health risks and potential for addiction and abuse. It also shows potential for treating chronic pain, PTSD, and other debilitating conditions. Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would reduce obstacles to its prescription and encourage investment and research into additional medical uses.
Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for easing federal restrictions on marijuana, including completely descheduling it. In November 2023, sheurged the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to, at a minimum, reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance. The DEA heeded her call in April 2024 and began the rescheduling process. Gillibrand has also cosponsored the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, landmark legislation that would legalize marijuana and help reverse decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately hurt communities of color and low-income communities, and the SAFER Banking Act, which would ensure that legal cannabis businesses have access to critical banking and financial services.
###