By Dale Reichert – President of Abbottstown Borough Council
It’s time for the federal government to recognize the medicinal benefits of cannabis and respect the local governments that are already effectively regulating this plant.
Thankfully, President Trump is ready to lead the way.
In 2024, the President stated on social media that he would continue to push for research that would “unlock the medical benefits” of cannabis, a notion that would be beneficial to the millions of Americans that rely on cannabis-based treatments.
However, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, along with heroin and LSD. The designation is not only scientifically inaccurate but also demonstrably harmful. Sadly, this outdated designation is impeding scientific advancements and research.
Five years ago, our borough council took a bold step and decriminalized small amounts of cannabis within our municipality. We did so not to endorse recreational use but to acknowledge that locking up otherwise law-abiding citizens for possessing a plant was a waste of our limited resources and a disservice to our residents.
After all, more than 30 states have medical marijuana programs, including right here in Pennsylvania. These programs have been a literal life saver for children with epilepsy, and veterans with PTSD, among others.
Additionally, medical cannabis provides relief to countless individuals suffering from chronic pain, debilitating illnesses, and the side effects of cancer treatments. These are not fringe cases; these are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members seeking legitimate medical care.
However, nine years after Pennsylvania lawmakers launched our state’s medical cannabis program, federal regulations still designate cannabis as having no currently accepted medical use.
This is simply false, and it needs to change.
President Trump recognizes the Schedule I designation is harmful, erroneous and obsolete, and has suggested moving cannabis to Schedule III. Under this type of classification, cannabis would be in the same category as other pharmaceutical medicines used to treat patients.
We must stand with the President as this reclassification is a logical and long overdue step. It would acknowledge the growing body of scientific evidence that proves the efficacy of cannabis-based treatments and allow for further research into its medical applications.
Not only does the current federal designation conflict with basic common sense, it also disrespects local governing bodies throughout the state, who have taken the same steps as Abbottstown. Municipalities like Allentown, East Norriton, Doylestown and York have each eased restrictions, because they recognize the Schedule I designation is outdated and in need of change.
Rescheduling cannabis is not about promoting recreational use – it’s about recognizing its medical potential, allowing for responsible research, and providing relief to those who desperately need it, including veterans who have fought for our country. It’s about aligning federal policy with the changing realities of our nation.
Leaders in our federal agencies should follow our President’s lead to move forward with rescheduling cannabis, so state rights and local communities are respected for our decisions, and our skilled scientists can continue with their medicinal discoveries.
It’s time to put common sense, science, and public health first.