Eagle Forum of Alabama and the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association reacted to President Donald Trump signing an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance under federal law.
The order downgrades marijuana from the most dangerous category of drugs and reduces the federal tax rate of state-licensed marijuana businesses.
Eagle Forum of Alabama, a social conservative organization, said it was disappointed by Trump's order.
"Eagle Forum of Alabama expresses deep disappointment over President Donald Trump's decision to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under federal law. While the administration has stressed its commitment to law and order, this policy shift threatens to undermine that message and risks accelerating the public health, safety, and societal harms already being seen in states with expanded marijuana access," Eagle Forum of Alabama said in a statement. "President Trump rightfully criticized the Biden Administration for failing to enforce immigration laws and praised the renewed commitment to restoring order at the border. The same commitment to enforcement must apply to federal drug laws. Reclassification must not become a doorway to full commercialization, normalization, and promotion of a drug that research continues to link to mental illness, addiction, impaired driving, and youth harm."
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Association called the order a "significant step forward."
"This executive order is a significant step forward for countless patients who rely on medical cannabis. President Trump has addressed long-standing banking challenges and created a more stable and reliable system for patient access," the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association said in a statement to 1819 News. "By allowing more medical professionals to take part in research, it improves patient care and fosters innovation in the industry."
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