Senator Michael Lazzara: Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug
By: Senator Michael Lazzara
I have countless Veterans in my district and am a Veteran myself and have long championed policies that promote economic growth, public safety, and personal freedom. That’s why I side with President Trump on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug—a move that would not only facilitate research opportunities in the industry but also establish better regulatory frameworks for businesses and consumers alike.
President Trump recognizes the need for pragmatic cannabis policy reforms. He has stated that he will “continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws.” His leadership on this issue signals that Republicans can champion smart, conservative cannabis reforms without compromising our values.
Despite decades of cultural and political debate, cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it is classified alongside heroin as a drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification is outdated and contradicts what we already know: cannabis has legitimate medical applications.
In fact, millions of Americans rely on medical cannabis for conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and PTSD. The current classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug creates significant roadblocks for scientific research. Universities, medical institutions, and private-sector researchers face layers
of bureaucratic red tape when attempting to study its effects. By rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, the federal government would recognize its medical benefits, allowing researchers to conduct studies without unnecessary legal hurdles.
This would lead to more comprehensive data on its benefits and risks, helping lawmakers craft informed policies that prioritize public health and safety.
Additionally, rescheduling would improve regulatory oversight of the cannabis industry. Right now, businesses operating in the legal cannabis market—whether for medical or recreational use—are caught in a legal limbo. They face excessive tax burdens under IRS Code 280E, which prevents them from deducting ordinary business expenses.
Many businesses cannot even find banks to work with in part due to the Schedule I classification. Moving cannabis to Schedule III would allow these businesses to operate on a level playing field, ensuring proper
taxation, safer products, and better consumer protections.
Some may argue that any move toward rescheduling is a step toward full legalization, but that is simply not the case. Rescheduling cannabis does not legalize recreational use at the federal level; it merely acknowledges medical reality and ensures a more structured regulatory approach. In fact, it aligns with the principles of state rights, allowing individual states like North Carolina to set their own policies without unnecessary federal interference.
Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III is not about partisanship—it’s about pragmatism. It’s about enabling scientific research, improving regulatory oversight, and fostering an environment where businesses and patients can operate without fear of legal contradictions.
We must stand with President Trump and see this through. I urge leaders in Congress and in federal agencies to embrace this change and continue working toward a regulatory framework that reflects both scientific understanding and the will of the American people. The rescheduling of Cannabis is not the end of the conversation, but it is a meaningful and necessary step towards a more rational and effective approach to cannabis policy.
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