Realigning Federal Cannabis Policy with American Reality
The national conversation around cannabis has shifted dramatically in the last few years. What was once a fringe issue is now a mainstream discussion, with a broad consensus emerging across the political spectrum: it’s time for federal cannabis policy to catch up with the reality on the ground in America. The proposed rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug is a long-overdue and necessary step that will bring numerous benefits, particularly for our nation’s veterans, patients and scientific research. Fortunately, rescheduling cannabis is a move that President Trump has expressed his support for, but we need the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to move forward and finalize this change.
For decades, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, a designation reserved for drugs with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” This places cannabis in the same category as heroin and LSD, a classification that is both scientifically inaccurate and harmful. The truth is, 40 states already have medical marijuana programs, and for millions of Americans, including patients with epilepsy and veterans with PTSD, cannabis-based treatments offer vital relief where traditional medicine often falls short. For example, a 2022 study showed that cannabis-based treatments were effective in treating PTSD symptoms such as sleep quality. Another study from 2025 found that cannabis-based treatments helped cancer patients deal with the side effects of their cancer treatments, such as nausea and pain.
As a disabled combat Army veteran, I know all too well the physical and emotional scars that can be left on those who answer the call to serve. Many veterans, including myself, rely on cannabis to manage conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and the debilitating side effects of other treatments. Yet, under the current federal framework, veterans face significant barriers to safe and legal access, often being forced to choose between medicine and their benefits.
Physicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers are currently prohibited from recommending cannabis, leaving former service members struggling with limited and inadequate treatment options. Rescheduling cannabis would allow VA doctors to discuss alternative cannabis-based treatments with their patients, ensuring veterans receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Medical cannabis is a proven, safe, and common-sense personal health management option, often free of the devastating side effects associated with opiate-based drugs.
Beyond veteran care, the Schedule I classification has severely impeded scientific research into the full potential of cannabis. When a substance is deemed to have no medical value, rigorous, large-scale studies are incredibly difficult to conduct due to stringent regulatory hurdles that include but are not limited to applying for special licenses. Moving cannabis to Schedule III would open doors for universities, biotech firms, and health care professionals to explore new treatments, improve patient care, and develop innovative therapies. This change would allow scientists to study cannabis’s benefits and risks more comprehensively, ensuring that medical decisions are based on sound science, not outdated dogma.
I am not calling for recreational use. This move is about recognizing medical potential of cannabis treatments, allowing for responsible research, and providing relief to those who desperately need it. The overwhelming support for rescheduling demonstrates that this is not a partisan issue but an American issue. It’s time for federal agencies including the DEA to follow President Trump’s lead and embrace a more rational and beneficial approach to cannabis. The proposed rescheduling is a critical step towards a future where federal cannabis policy reflects the scientific understanding and public sentiment of the 21st century.
By: Ryan Wright, combat veteran
