- A former St. Louis police sergeant argues for rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, stating that the current classification is outdated and forces law enforcement to waste resources on simple marijuana cases instead of violent crime or fentanyl.
- The federal-state conflict props up criminal markets via unlicensed operations and puts legal businesses at a massive disadvantage by denying them normal tax deductions.
- Rescheduling is framed as a practical, evidence-based step supported by police organizations that will free up law enforcement to focus on real public safety threats and lead to safer communities.

Op-Ed: Why Many Police Officers Support Trump’s Cannabis Rescheduling

Feb 8, 2026

Source:

Marijuana Moment

Many law enforcement professionals are finally coming around to what the cannabis community has known for years: our current federal drug laws are totally out of sync with reality. In a recent op-ed, a veteran police sergeant argues that keeping marijuana classified as a Schedule I substance—the same as heroin—is a massive waste of police time and resources. Instead of chasing simple possession cases, officers could be focusing on violent crime and the fentanyl crisis. Rescheduling to Schedule III would also help state-legal businesses compete with the unregulated market by allowing them to claim normal tax deductions.

This shift is a huge win for everyday tokers because it signals a move toward more sensible, evidence-based policing. When the "feds" stop treating a plant like a deadly narcotic, it clears the path for better research and more secure access for everyone, especially veterans seeking relief. For the industry, this change could finally level the playing field, ensuring your favorite local dispensary can thrive without being suffocated by outdated federal tax burdens.