The executive director of Nebraska’s For Medical Marijuana is applauding President Trump after he signed an executive order Thursday easing marijuana restrictions by rescheduling it from a class I to a class III drug.
“This rescheduling marks a historic shift, recognizing medical value, correcting false narratives around addiction, and allowing long-overdue U.S.-based research,” says Crista Eggers. “It also undercuts claims that officials could not act due to Schedule I status.”
Eggers says they are disappointed that Nebraska U-S Senator Pete Ricketts continues to oppose this progress by signing a last-minute letter urging President Trump to intervene. “While rescheduling does not alter state law, it highlights the continued necessity of fighting for patient access at the state level,” Eggers says.
“With marijuana now rescheduled, the excuses for inaction are gone and state leaders can no longer hide behind scheduling as a reason to do nothing.” Eggers says they look forward to working with Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Governor Jim Pillen, and Senator Ricketts to ensure Nebraska law reflects science, supports patients, and adheres to voters mandate.
“Rescheduling doesn’t change state law, but it makes one thing clear: progress is now a choice.” Under the change, marijuana has been placed in the same group as common prescription painkillers like Tylenol with codeine.