Readers react to Trump’s marijuana reclassification move

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In yesterday’s newsletter, I shared a story about President Donald Trump’s executive order that hastens the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug (think heroin, LSD) to Schedule 3, which is used for prescription medications with a risk of abuse.

The move could help open the path to more research on the substance and its potential medicinal uses.

Trump signed the order despite opposition from 24 Republicans, including US Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona.

I asked for your thoughts on the order, and here’s what you said:

💬 “I agree with Pres. Trump. For medicinal use only, Schedule III.” — Phyllis F.

💬 “It’s just wrong. That’s all we need more people under the influence driving our roads.” — Mary Ann C.

💬 “It’s taken way too long to get more studies on the uses of marijuana.” — Ellen Y.

💬 “This a long time coming. Too bad instead of helping people it will really only benefit big pharma.” — Rob J.

💬 “Well done. Thank you President Trump for taking steps  to legitimize its medical use.” — Terry A.

💬 “I think it’s about time for the change in schedule of narcotics. Interesting that all the ‘professional politicians’ on both sides who have always stood against the change, but one non-professional politician sees the ridiculous way it was scheduled.” — Paul

💬 “As a retired RN, I welcome the opportunity to offer patients options. I have used marijuana cream for arthritis and muscle injuries. It’s a great option and should be widely available. It is a “natural” way to treat minor aches and pains.”— Bonnie C.

💬 “It’s about time that marijuana is methodically researched since it’s a drug and legal in many states. Something that is legal under state law shouldn’t result in prison terms under federal law!” — Deb N.

💬 “This is long overdue. Reagan stopped necessary research into marijuana, which can have many uses beyond the psychoactive elements and creating a ‘high.’ It is nowhere near as dangerous as heroin. No one ever overdosed on weed. Not one single time. Alcohol has caused more deaths and health issues that marijuana.” — Rhea H.

💬 “I myself do not smoke marijuana, but do support its use, both medically and recreationally. Several years ago, I drove my father to a doctor’s appointment … Not thinking about it, I left two rolled joints in my ashtray in the car. Now my father rolled his own cigarettes, so mine looked like his. I stopped to get a soda, and by the time I got back, he had smoked both of them. I was worried about any side effects he may have after smoking my weed. I told the doctor what happened and he replied, ‘Don’t worry about it, it will probably do him some good.’ And ever since then, nearly 40 years now, I have supported legalized marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Even though I stopped shortly after that incident, I still wholeheartedly believe it should be open to all adults over the age of 18, maybe even 16.” — Brian V.

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