Potency, Policy, and Public Duty: Rethinking Cannabis in America
“The truth of the matter is this, that between desired state innovations and established federal authority lies a battlefield for freedom.”
For decades, the Federal Government has classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, placing it among substances deemed to have no legitimate medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification reflects Congress’s effort to protect public health and safety, even as some states began authorizing medical and recreational cannabis programs.
Recently, President Donald Trump indicated he may reconsider this classification of the substance and potentially reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, a move that would significantly loosen federal restrictions. This proposal has sparked renewed debate over the role of states versus federal authorities in determining the safety, efficacy, and regulation of drugs, the potential health risks of modern cannabis products, and the role of state authorities in these conversations as a whole.
Palmetto Family Council believes this discussion is critical, as policymakers must weigh the public health consequences, including addiction, cognitive effects, and physical risks, against any claims of medical benefit. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels play a central role in this debate, determining where the authority to regulate cannabis should lie and how to balance state initiatives with federal oversight. The conversation over cannabis rescheduling is not just a legal question; it is a matter of health, safety, and societal responsibility that demands scrutiny.
Trump Considers Cannabis Rescheduling Amid Federal Debate
The following summary is based on a recent article by Paul J. Larkin, Rumpel Senior Legal Research Fellow at the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, The Heritage Foundation.
President Donald Trump recently indicated he may decide whether to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III would allow broader legal access for medical and recreational purposes.
The push to reschedule cannabis was initially recommended in 2023 by HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel L. Levine, who cited the growing number of state medical cannabis programs. Critics argue this rationale conflicts with federal law, which gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not the states, the authority to determine a drug’s safety, efficacy, and consistency.
Concerns about modern cannabis focus on potency, safety, and regulation. Today’s products often contain much higher THC levels than those of decades ago, with some concentrates reaching 90%. Research links frequent or long-term use to mental health issues, cognitive impairment, addiction, and physical risks such as cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. Botanical cannabis may also be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, fungi, or other substances that would not meet FDA standards.
The plant’s variability, across strains, THC levels, growing conditions, and delivery methods like smoking, vaping, or edibles, continues to complicate federal oversight. While synthetic cannabinoids have been approved for certain medical uses, the botanical plant itself has not met FDA standards for safety or efficacy.
A decision to reschedule cannabis could have far-reaching effects on federal and state regulations, public health, and the pharmaceutical industry. As the debate continues, policymakers face the challenge of balancing potential medical access with safety, consistency, and scientific evidence.
Original Source: Paul J. Larkin
Josiah DuCharme is featured here as the new Publishing and Advocacy Director for Palmetto Family Council. He was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated in 2025 with a degree in Philosophy, concentrating in Metaphysics and Epistemology. During his undergraduate studies, he earned recognition on the President’s List at Union University and was active in the Honors communities at both Union and Columbia International University.
Josiah has served in leadership and organizational roles, including Team Lead for two Chick-fil-A franchises, as well as Director of Content Development for Becoming Disciples LLC. He has also developed a portfolio of works in philosophical and political theory.
Josiah and his wife, married in January 2025, reside in Columbia, South Carolina, where they are active in ministry and community engagement.
