Photo of Rick Proctor in Unsplash
President Donald Trump generated political and media uproar after spreading the word Truth Social A video in which he supports the use of cannabis-derived products, especially cannabidiol (CBD), for senior care. In the message, Trump asserts that this compound could help combat chronic pain, anxiety, and other health problems, positioning himself more favorably on a historically divisive issue in American politics.
A twist in the republican narrative
The Republican has insisted on the need to reclassify marijuana within the Controlled Substances Act. Currently classified in the most restrictive tier (Schedule I), on the same level as drugs like heroin, Trump has suggested moving it to Schedule III, which would reduce federal penalties, allow for greater scientific research, and ease the tax burden on industry.
His stance is not limited to the federal level. Trump has also shown himself open to state measures, such as Amendment 3 in Florida, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults. With this position, he sends a clear signal that he supports states that decide to move toward regulation, in contrast to the more rigid stances of other Republican leaders.
Trump also spoke in favor of granting cannabis companies access to banking services, an obstacle that for years has forced businesses in the sector to operate in cash, with security risks and limitations on growth.
Reactions: between support and skepticism
The statements were enthusiastically received by cannabis activists and business leaders, who see this endorsement as an opportunity to push through legislative changes that Congress has repeatedly postponed. “Having a former president openly support the issue helps break stigmas and can accelerate political normalization,” said a spokesperson for the National Cannabis Industry Association.
However, not everyone celebrated the announcement. Analysts and opponents accused Trump of electoral opportunism, emphasizing that during his term he did not promote fundamental federal reforms and that he is now seeking to capitalize on an issue with broad social support, especially among young and moderate voters. "It's more of a political wink than a real commitment," said a columnist for the Washington Post.
Immediate economic impact
The industry reacted quickly to the announcement. Several cannabis companies saw their shares rise on Wall Street after the video was released, reflecting investor optimism about a possible regulatory change. Financial experts maintain that a federal reclassification could open access to capital, reduce tax costs, and multiply the value of an already expanding market in more than 30 states.
Some analysts, however, warn that political promises don't always translate into concrete legislative changes, and that fragmentation in Congress could hinder any immediate progress.
Cannabis at the center of the campaign
Medical marijuana enjoys broad public support, and recreational use is now legal in much of the country, making cannabis a point of consensus between Democrats and Republicans at the state level.
With this move, the president not only places the debate on the public agenda, but also forces his political adversaries to take a clearer stance on an issue that, until recently, was taboo in national campaigns.
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