When discussing medical cannabis, Trump states: “I don’t want to, but many people need it”

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again mentioned medical cannabis as a possible alternative to opioids, substances associated with high rates of addiction and mortality in the country. 

The statement was made during an official event where the Republican commented on the federal government's decision to reclassify cannabis, acknowledging its therapeutic potential, as reported by the site Marijuana Moment.

According to Trump, in certain cases, cannabis can help patients suffering from intense pain and chronic conditions, reducing the need for opioid painkillers. “It can make people feel a lot better,” he stated, highlighting the risks associated with traditionally prescribed pain medications.

Despite his favorable discourse on medicinal use, the president made sure to emphasize his personal position. “I don’t want to,” he said. “I’m not going to take it, but many people want it. Many people need it.”

Reclassification recognizes medical use but does not legalize recreational use

The statement comes in the context of the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance under U.S. federal law. In practice, this change recognizes the medical use of the plant and reduces regulatory barriers for scientific research, without legalizing recreational use at the national level.

Trump also emphasized that the measure does not represent a broad legalization of cannabis, but rather an adjustment based on scientific evidence and the need to provide safer therapeutic alternatives. “The facts compel the federal government to recognize that cannabis can be legitimate from a medical standpoint when administered carefully,” he stated.
 

With information from Marijuana Moment.