Blanche Reclassifies Medical Marijuana, Easing Federal Restrictions

0:00President Trump's acting Attorney General Todd Blanche just signed an order reclassifying state licensed medical marijuana from Schedule 1-2, Schedule 3 at the federal level. Schedule 1 means no accepted medical use in high abuse risk, like heroin, but Schedule 3 sees it as having moderate to low dependence. Potential. This hits medical programs in 40 states, easing federal restrictions without full legalization. The move also lets these licensed operators deduct business expenses on federal taxes for the first time and sets up quick registration with the drug. Enforcement administration. Researchers get a break too. No penalties for using state-approved cannabis in studies. Non-medical or unlicensed stuff stays firmly in Schedule 1. Folks are reacting strong on both sides. Blanche called it delivering on Trump's promise, saying it'll boost research for better patient care. But critics in the cannabis world worry. Stronger products need tighter rules, and over 20 Republican senators push to keep it, Schedule 1.

1:03This built on years of change since California kicked off medical marijuana in 1996, with most states now having solid licensing too. Protect health and block black market flow. The Fed's held firm on prohibition since 1937, even as states shifted. Looking ahead, a new hearing process starts in June to eyebrow to rescheduling beyond just medical use, picking up from Biden error proposals that Trump sped up with his December executive order. This could reshape the whole game federally. You've been listening to Tampa Bay news today AI-powered local news.