President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at loosening federal restrictions on marijuana. The order reclassifies cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on the Federal Drug Administration’s list of controlled substances. Schedule I indicates a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule III allows for some medical applications. Trump emphasized that this reclassification does not legalize marijuana or endorse its recreational use. He stated, "Just as prescription painkillers may have legitimate uses, but can also do irreversible damage, it’s never safe to use powerful controlled substances recreationally." The order represents a significant shift in the long-standing federal stance on cannabis. Since 2012, when Washington and Colorado legalized personal marijuana use, 22 states have followed suit with their own legalization measures. Currently, only 10 states maintain strict prohibitions on both medicinal and recreational use. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed support for the executive order but called for further reforms to align federal law with state laws where cannabis is legal. He noted the importance of a regulated cannabis industry that ensures product safety. A group of medical professionals accompanied Trump during the signing, discussing the potential medical benefits of marijuana, particularly as an alternative to opioid painkillers. Trump acknowledged that research into marijuana's benefits has been hindered by its Schedule I status, stating that the reclassification would facilitate medical research into cannabis. Despite the positive steps, advocates for marijuana legalization have urged for a complete descheduling of cannabis to align federal policy with state laws. They argue that the current changes, while beneficial, do not fully address the complexities of marijuana's legal status in many states. Opposition exists among many Republican lawmakers, who have expressed concerns about the implications of easing restrictions on marijuana. In a recent letter, 24 Senate Republicans urged Trump not to proceed with the reclassification, citing potential risks and lack of medical value associated with marijuana. They argued that facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry could jeopardize public health and safety.