President Trump’s Leadership on Cannabis Rescheduling is a Win for Ohio
By: Rep. Jamie Callender
I have long believed that our nation’s outdated approach to cannabis needs reform. That’s why I sponsored the Ohio Adult Use Act in 2023 and it’s why I strongly support the rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance—an effort that has gained the support of President Donald Trump. Once again, President Trump is demonstrating his leadership by recognizing the economic and medical benefits of modernizing our federal drug policies.
Currently, cannabis remains classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a category reserved for substances like heroin and LSD. This classification is simply outdated and does not reflect the reality that millions of Americans, including many here in Ohio, rely on cannabis for a variety of medical conditions. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III will finally allow more comprehensive research into its benefits, enabling us to make science-driven policy decisions rather than relying on decades-old misconceptions.
The economic benefits of rescheduling are equally significant. Moving cannabis to Schedule III will reduce some of the barriers that are keeping financial institutions from serving legal cannabis businesses. Right now, small business owners in Ohio’s cannabis industry are forced to operate largely in cash, creating unprecedented risks and limiting access to essential banking services. President Trump understands that business owners, workers, and patients should not be unfairly burdened by outdated regulations.
Moreover, rescheduling would reduce the excessive tax burden on legal cannabis businesses, which prevents them from deducting business expenses like salaries. This would make it easier for Ohio’s legal cannabis market to thrive, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and cutting down on illicit sales that fuel crime in our communities.
President Trump has never shied away from bold action to fix broken policies, and his support for rescheduling cannabis is no exception. While some politicians prefer to cling to the status quo, President Trump understands that reforming cannabis policy is good for business, good for patients, and good for America. His leadership on this issue will ensure that Ohio and other states with legal cannabis industries are treated fairly under federal law.
I urge Senators Husted and Moreno to follow President Trump’s lead and support moving cannabis to Schedule III. By doing so, we can drive economic growth, support medical research, and ensure that our policies reflect the realities of today—not the outdated fears of the past. Ohioans deserve commonsense cannabis reform, and with President Trump’s leadership, we are finally on the path to achieving it.
Ohio State Representative Jaime Callender (R-57), Concord, Ohio
