DPA Petition Urges Trump to Fully Deschedule Cannabis Amid Rescheduling Discussions

LOS ANGELES – The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) has launched a petition urging the Trump administration to remove Cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), arguing that a proposed shift to Schedule III fails to end criminalization. The effort, started this week, cites Trump’s 2024 campaign support for stopping arrests for minor Cannabis possession.

The petition asserts that only descheduling can eliminate federal penalties, advance expungements, ensure consumer safety, and redirect tax revenue to communities harmed by prohibition. It warns that rescheduling maintains risks of arrests and barriers to housing and jobs, despite 88% public support for legalization.

Trump has signaled a decision on rescheduling is near, following a stalled Biden-era proposal. Rescheduling could ease tax burdens for Cannabis businesses and research barriers but preserve federal illegality. Critics, including law enforcement, oppose the move, citing abuse risks.

With 24 states allowing recreational Cannabis and 40 permitting medical use, descheduling could align federal policy with state laws. The Drug Policy Alliance calls for signatures to push for comprehensive reform when every voice counts in amplifying demands for change, balancing economic growth with social justice, and shaping equitable Cannabis policy.

Source: Drug Policy Alliance