Fri Sep 05 13:04:42 UTC 2025: ## US Weighs Cannabis Reclassification Amidst Debate Over Legality and Justice
**Washington D.C.** – The debate over the future of cannabis in the United States is heating up as lawmakers and the former President Donald Trump consider easing federal restrictions. While a growing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, it remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level, creating a complex legal landscape and hindering the industry’s growth.
Former drug trafficker Seth Ferranti, who served 21 years for a non-violent cannabis offense, is now a vocal advocate for reform. He, along with many others, are hopeful that recent developments, including the re-introduction of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in Congress, will finally lift the decades-long ban.
The MORE Act proposes not only descheduling cannabis, but also expunging cannabis-related criminal records and supporting former prisoners, addressing the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs on minority communities.
Meanwhile, Trump has acknowledged the complexities of the issue, hinting at a potential reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move, while not full legalization, would significantly reduce penalties and offer tax benefits to legal cannabis businesses.
Cannabis expert Cat Packer highlights the current tax code’s impact on marijuana businesses, preventing them from claiming standard deductions and hindering their access to traditional financial services. This leaves them vulnerable to crime and unable to operate like other legal businesses.
However, opposition remains strong. Critics like Kevin Sabet, director of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), argue that rescheduling would be a “giveaway to Big Marijuana” and exacerbate health risks associated with the drug. Sabet points to studies linking cannabis use to heart problems and mental health issues.
This would also allow cannabis businesses to write off ads, marketing and promotions that deliberately target kids to develop the next generation of addicts.
Despite concerns, advocates argue that regulation, rather than prohibition, is the key to mitigating potential harms. They emphasize the need to address the historical injustices of cannabis criminalization, which has disproportionately affected minority communities and created barriers to housing, education, and employment.
The inconsistencies between state and federal laws also fuel a thriving black market, with illegal operations undercutting legitimate businesses. Experts agree that a comprehensive solution is needed to address these challenges and create a fair and equitable cannabis industry.
Whether the former President will champion cannabis reform remains uncertain, but the ongoing debate highlights the growing momentum towards a new era for cannabis in the United States.
First Piper 