President Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of reclassifying marijuana, a move that could allow researchers greater access to study its medical benefits. Representative Lucy McBath of Georgia, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, responded with a statement addressing both the potential and limitations of this action.
“Today, President Trump signed an executive order to reschedule marijuana, enabling researchers to study its medical benefits more effectively. This order should serve as a critical first step toward meaningful criminal justice reform for marijuana-related offenses, as envisioned in the Clean Slate Act, which I lead.
“While the order will benefit the legal cannabis industry and medical research, reform cannot stop here. This order does not change the criminal penalties or considerations for marijuana-related offenses. Tens of thousands of individuals remain incarcerated for these offenses, and we cannot, in good faith, advance an industry while denying impacted individuals a clear path home to their families, an opportunity to return to their lives, and a chance to contribute in their communities. I stand ready to put people over profits and advance comprehensive criminal justice reform.”
McBath has played a leading role in advocating for broader reforms related to marijuana laws. She is also recognized for her electoral success; in 2024 she won re-election against Jeff Criswell with nearly 75% of the vote.
Since 2019, McBath has represented Georgia’s 7th district in Congress after succeeding Karen Handel. More information about her congressional service can be found at https://mcbath.house.gov/.
