Former WH drug policy advisor: Mass commercialization and promotion of marijuana isn't a good thing

Regulatory Landscape & Policy - The executive order directs the Attorney General to expedite the process for marijuana reclassification from schedule one to schedule three, but it doesn't enact any new changes [13] - The reclassification process started in the last administration as a political issue [14] - The executive order does not legalize banking for the marijuana industry, which caused pot stocks to fall [14] - The reclassification will allow for tax breaks for the marijuana industry, which could increase advertising and promotion [15][16] Health & Societal Concerns - Today's marijuana is 10 to 30 times stronger than it once was, with some cases reaching 99% THC [4] - Increased THC levels are linked to psychosis, violence, reduction in IQ, heart failure, diabetes, and stroke [5] - Medical associations worldwide agree that marijuana consumption is not beneficial and is causing addiction [7] - 30% of medical marijuana users are addicted to marijuana [10] - Concerns exist regarding the impact of marijuana legalization on the workforce, including pilots, doctors, and bus drivers [10] Market & Investment - Investors were disappointed that the executive order didn't legalize banking, leading to a drop in pot stocks [14] - Some marijuana stocks increased due to potential tax breaks, but not as much as anticipated [15] - There is no momentum in Congress for federal legalization [26] - Some states are considering repealing marijuana sales legalization [12][26]