Oklahoma AG Opposes Marijuana Reclassification by President

Oklahoma Attorney General Pushes Back on Marijuana Reclassification

A federal move to reclassify marijuana is drawing strong opposition from Oklahoma’s top law enforcement official. While the President has signed an executive order that could move marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a less restrictive classification, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the change raises serious concerns for public safety.

Drummond joined seven other state attorneys general in a formal statement opposing the rescheduling, arguing that marijuana continues to cause harm in communities across the country. Schedule I drugs are classified as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Supporters of reclassification say the move would expand legitimate medical research, but opponents say it could send the wrong message.

Concerns Over Community Impact and Public Health

In the joint statement, the attorneys general said they are seeing real-world consequences from marijuana use, including impacts on mental health, impaired driving, and addiction. Drummond’s office emphasized that state law enforcement officials are often the first to see those effects.

The group warned that changing the drug’s classification could limit the ability of states to regulate marijuana use and could complicate enforcement efforts already strained by conflicting state and federal laws.

Research vs. Regulation Debate Continues

Supporters of reclassification argue that moving marijuana to a lower schedule would make it easier for researchers to study potential medical benefits under federal law. However, Drummond and his colleagues said expanded research does not require broad changes that could weaken safeguards.

The executive order does not immediately change marijuana’s legal status, but it does begin a federal review process that could lead to rescheduling in the future. Any final decision would involve federal health and law enforcement agencies.

For now, Oklahoma officials say they will continue enforcing existing state laws while closely monitoring federal action.

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