Donald Trump has expressed openness to changing the US cannabis laws after discovering an undocumented side effect. Currently, the US has varying laws across states, with clear distinctions between medical and recreational use. Medical cannabis is prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, and chemotherapy side effects, and is considered less risky than opioids. Recreational laws differ widely, with some states allowing possession of small amounts, while others regulate where it can be consumed.
Although federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, many states have exemptions for medical or recreational use. For example, California permits possession for personal recreational use, while others focus solely on medical exemptions. Recently, Trump indicated he might revisit cannabis classification, suggesting a re-evaluation could happen soon. He admitted, “It’s a very complicated subject,” acknowledging both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis.
His comments come amid new scientific findings about long-term cannabis use, including the emergence of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which causes severe nausea and vomiting. Dr. Chris Buresh explained that some long-term users or even moderate consumers can develop this condition, with individual vulnerability thresholds varying.
Even small amounts of cannabis can trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals. Trump’s potential policy shift could impact millions of Americans, especially as debates about cannabis’s medical and recreational legality continue to grow.