For too long, America’s cannabis policy has been defined by contradictions. Millions of people, including veterans, seniors, and cancer patients, rely on medical marijuana prescribed legally under state laws. Yet at the federal level, cannabis remains listed as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, with “no accepted medical use.” This classification is not only outdated but also detrimental to the public’s interests.

It’s time to fix this.

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President Donald Trump has an opportunity to lead where Joe Biden and other former presidents failed by moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This single act would not only align our laws with science and public opinion but also put the interests of patients and their families first.

As a Republican, a veteran, and a Floridian, I have heard directly from those who stand to benefit the most. Veterans suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, or opioid dependency deserve access to safe and effective therapies. Seniors in my district, many of whom are conservative voters, often express their frustration with Washington’s antiquated thinking regarding medical marijuana, dismissing their doctor-approved treatment as if it were heroin. Their needs matter far more than preserving debunked myths or the broken status quo in Washington.

Rescheduling is not legalization. It would simply clear the way for serious research, proper safety standards, and permission for doctors to responsibly prescribe medical marijuana without their patients living in fear of the law. Placing marijuana on Schedule III would put cannabis in the same category as Tylenol with codeine, acknowledging medical use while maintaining federal oversight.

Moving cannabis to Schedule III would also ease unnecessary burdens for America’s veterans. Under current law, veterans can be denied care at VA hospitals for using medical marijuana. Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, the VA is prohibited from providing service to our warriors who have been prescribed such treatment by a physician. Rescheduling would provide the VA with the latitude to provide care in the most effective manner while ensuring our soldiers returning home from war have access to products that are tested, labeled, and safe.

Poll after poll shows that Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike overwhelmingly support medical cannabis. A recent poll revealed that there is not a single demographic group in the United States opposed to cannabis reform.

Trump has always been a disruptor — willing to challenge the status quo to stand with the public. Rescheduling cannabis would be a defining moment of his presidency, demonstrating Republicans can advance sensible reforms in a way that advances the interests of both patients and public safety.

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From my very first term in Congress, I have introduced legislation to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III. The need I saw then has only grown more urgent today. I urge the president to help us finally get this done for the veterans, seniors, and patients of America. Rescheduling cannabis is the conservative, compassionate, and commonsense choice.

America is ready. Let’s make it happen.

Greg Steube represents Florida’s 17th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.