President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order that would expand access to cannabis, a long anticipated move that would mark the most significant shift in US drug policy in decades. <\/p>\n
The order is expected to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic, to a Schedule III drug – placing it under the same category as Tylenol with codeine, US media reports suggest.<\/p>\n
Even if recategorised, cannabis will remain illegal at the federal level. But classifying it as a Schedule III narcotic would allow expanded research to be conducted into its potential benefits. <\/p>\n
Several Republican lawmakers have cautioned against the move, with some arguing it could normalise cannabis use. <\/p>\n
The US Drug Enforcement Agency notes that Schedule III narcotics – which also include ketamine and anabolic steroids – have only a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence”.<\/p>\n
The executive order could come as early as Thursday, although the timing could shift, CBS, the BBC’s US partner, has reported.<\/p>\n
The new classification could also have tax implications for state-authorised cannabis dispensaries, as current regulations bar them from some tax deductions if they sell Schedule I products.<\/p>\n
Various US news outlets have reported that the announcement may also include a pilot programme that would see some older Americans reimbursed for cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, for conditions including cancer treatments. <\/p>\n
In recent years, a majority of US states have approved cannabis for some medical use, and nearly half – 24 – have legalised recreational use. But since 1971, cannabis has been a Schedule I narcotic, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential to be abused.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, Trump said that he was “considering” the re-classification because of “tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify”. <\/p>\n