We need to talk about an idea President Trump floated several weeks ago—a move to downgrade the classification of marijuana at the federal level. Right now, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, the same category as cocaine, where all use is prohibited. If this change happens, it would make marijuana far easier to promote and sell nationwide. But here’s the thing—this shift is completely out of step with Republican voters. Just last November, four out of five Republican-led states voted down major marijuana legalization efforts. In fact, more than 75 percent of Trump supporters themselves opposed those measures. That tells us someone is giving the President bad advice, becaust this isn’t a winning issue with his base.
This proposal would bring serious law enforcement concerns. Pot farms, both legal and illegal, have become magnets for illegal immigrants and dangerous working conditions. In one massive Homeland Security raid in California, 361 people were arrested—including criminals convicted of rape, burglary, DUIs, and hit-and-run offenses. Even more disturbing, 14 children were found working in these unsafe environments. And it’s not just crime. Under current federal tax law, businesses that deal in Schedule I substances can’t deduct normal expenses like advertising. If marijuana is downgraded, those restrictions vanish, greenlighting expansion of the pot industry and new aggressive promotions.
Health issues are another big concern. Today’s marijuana is far more potent than it used to be. Emergency room visits are climbing, with cases of severe vomiting syndrome tied to high THC levels. Marijuana use has also been linked to memory problems, risky behavior like impaired driving, and addiction. In fact, the CDC estimates about 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder.
Even the environment takes a hit. Illegal pot growers often use toxic pesticides, dump chemicals into groundwater, and create terrible odors for nearby communities. Oddly enough, many environmental groups seem to look the other way.
If this “trial balloon” on pot becomes policy, it could bring consequences most conservatives—and most Americans—simply don’t want.
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This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/constitution/taxes/potus-trial-balloon-on-pot-2/
Phyllis Schlafly