Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana in the US

President of the United States Donald Trump On Thursday, December 18, he signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Cannabis will be removed from its current classification as a Schedule I substance, alongside heroin and LSD, and moved to Schedule III, along with ketamine and some anabolic steroids. This was announced by AP publication.

The reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not legalize marijuana for recreational use nationwide, but it could change the way the drug is regulated and reduce the significant tax burden on the cannabis industry.

"People are begging me to do it. People who are suffering greatly," Trump said, adding that he had received a flood of phone calls in support of the move and its potential to help patients.

Medical marijuana is now permitted in 40 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and many states have legalized it for recreational use. However, U.S. federal laws remain stricter, which could potentially lead to prosecution by federal authorities.

Under the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, the Department of Justice initiated the idea of reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III substances. At the same time, Donald Trump does not have consolidated support for this approach within the Republican Party: some Republicans oppose any changes and insist on maintaining the current regulation.

According to Gallup polls, most Americans favor a less stringent approach: support for marijuana legalization has risen from 36% in 2005 to 64% this year. At the same time, as Gallup notes, this figure is lower than it was a few years ago, which is primarily due to a decline in support among Republican Party supporters.

Former DEA Deputy Administrator Jack Riley said that the fight against drugs should remain a national security priority, while warning that easing restrictions on marijuana sends a mixed message.

"He's blowing up boats in Latin America that he says are full of fentanyl and cocaine, but on the other hand, he's loosening restrictions, which will allow wider access to the drug," Riley said.

Trump did not commit to taking more sweeping steps, such as decriminalizing marijuana. However, he did note that "the facts are forcing" the government to recognize the legitimate medical use of marijuana.

• On April 21, it was announced that Rex Parrish, the mayor of Lancaster in Southern California, suggested getting rid of the homeless, giving them "all the fentanyl they want."