President Trump reclassifies Marijuana: Nebraskans debate

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that now changes the conversation around marijuana at the federal level.

It’s been reclassified as a Schedule III substance rather than Schedule I, meaning it would no longer be in the same class as heroin and LSD.

For advocates in Nebraska, this is a win. The executive director for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said this validates their efforts.

“Today is a huge victory,” said Crista Eggers. “First and foremost, it does validate for us that this is a true medical treatment. This has medical value. It’s a big day to feel validated in our fight, finally.”

However, there are two sides to this debate.

Sen. Pete Ricketts sent a letter to the president urging him to uphold this new order, stating in part:

“Marijuana continues to fit the narrative of a Schedule I drug due to its high potential for abuse and lack of FDA approval. The evidence shows that marijuana is harmful to its users, especially to young people and women who are pregnant.”

But, this doesn’t change anything at the state level. It does not decriminalize it. It does not give possession rights, and doesn’t allow access.

Which is why Eggers says there’s still more work to be done, leaving it to people to have more conversations moving forward.

“In our situation here in Nebraska, it’s the job of the people to keep pushing this,” said Eggers. “Rescheduling doesn’t mean access. It doesn’t mean protection.”