The American Legion publicly praised the executive order to reclassify cannabis, highlighting the potential benefits for research on veterans’ health.
INDIANAPOLIS — An executive order signed by President Trump this week to reclassify marijuana to a less dangerous drug could signal a major shift in drug policy and clear the way for medical research.
In 40 states and Washington D.C., marijuana for medical use is legal. However, Indiana is not one of those states.
Gov. Mike Braun has said before that he’s open to a discussion about legalizing medical marijuana, in particular, if federal policy changes.
And now it looks like that federal policy change could happen.
Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, on the same list as heroin and LSD. Under the new classification, it would be considered a Schedule III drug, on the same list as ketamine and some steroids.
Some Republicans lawmakers have spoken out against the change and urged the president to keep the current standards for cannabis, citing concerns about public health and safety.
The American Legion — the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization — publicly praised the executive order to reclassify cannabis, highlighting the potential benefits for research on veterans’ health.
Jeff Staker, who heads Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis, also supports the move to reclassify it.
Staker uses medical cannabis after taking opioids for a decade to deal with chronic back pain and migraines, the results of his military service.
“I think this is the next step. It will open up the door for the remaining handful of states that do not have cannabis for medical reasons,” Staker said.
The president’s order doesn’t immediately reclassify cannabis. There’s still an administrative process that has to run its course which could take some time. The timeline, at this point, is uncertain.
