00:00President Trump says his administration may consider reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
00:08We're looking at it. Some people like it. Some people hate it.
00:11Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children.
00:18But we're looking at reclassification and we'll make a determination over the next, I would say, over the next few weeks.
00:23Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside drugs like heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
00:30But the president is now considering moving it to a Schedule III drug, according to the Wall Street Journal.
00:36Other drugs in that category include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and anabolic steroids.
00:41It's a very complicated subject, you know, the subject of marijuana.
00:45I've heard great things having to do with medical and I've had bad things having to do with just about everything else.
00:51But medical and, you know, for pain and various things, I've heard some pretty good things.
00:56But for other things, I've heard some pretty bad things.
00:58The move is supported by advocates for marijuana law reform, even though a move to Schedule III is mostly symbolic.
01:05So, you know, moving to Schedule III is important symbolically because it's a recognition by the federal government
01:12that cannabis has medical value and does not have a high potential for abuse, which is the basic definition of Schedule I substances.
01:22And it's important politically because I think it would provide cover for members of the GOP who might be supportive of cannabis policy reform,
01:32but have been afraid to say so publicly or vote in that fashion in the past.
01:36The move would help state-owned cannabis businesses who do not currently qualify for tax deductions or credits because of Schedule I classification.
01:45Still, many oppose the reclassification.
01:48Trump-appointed head of the DEA Terry Cole voiced concerns over marijuana in the past and has remained uncommittal on reclassification.
01:56Turning Point USA co-founder and MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk also opposes the move, posting, quote,
02:01I hope this doesn't happen. We need to protect public spaces for kids. Everything already smells like weed, which is ridiculous.
02:09For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan. For more unbiased straight facts, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com.
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