West Virginia Residents Divided Over Trump’s Executive Order on Marijuana
President Trump’s recent executive order, which reclassifies marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, has sparked mixed reactions from West Virginians. While some see the move as a step forward for patients suffering from chronic pain and other medical conditions, others are concerned about the potential consequences for society.
Erin DeLullo, host of “The Poisoning” podcast, believes the reclassification is driven by financial interests rather than a genuine concern for patients. She argues that the move will enable cannabis lobbyists to reap financial benefits, and that the next generation will be the ones most affected by the executive order.
“The people selling to you want to get you hooked and chasing that next buzz,” DeLullo said. “There’s a lot of money in it, just like tobacco.”
Taylor Richmond, chairman of the West Virginia Libertarian Party, sees the tax revenue generated from marijuana as a potential solution to the financial struggles faced by American cities. He notes that the tax revenue could help offset pension deficits and other financial burdens.
While Richmond is not a fan of recreational marijuana use, he believes that strict government restrictions have not been effective in addressing the issue. “It’s a substance that has its negative effects, just like alcohol and tobacco,” he said. “Prohibition on it is a negative on society much more than the use of it is.”
The differing opinions reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue, with some seeing the reclassification as a step forward for medical patients and others concerned about the potential consequences for society. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the executive order will impact West Virginia and the country as a whole.
