A group of House Republicans, led by Congressman Pete Sessions and Congressman Andy Harris, has sent a letter to President Trump urging him not to support any move to reschedule marijuana under federal law. The lawmakers argue that such a change would threaten public safety, worsen the nation’s addiction crisis, and send an inappropriate message to young people.
Congressman Sessions is Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations. Congressman Harris chairs the House Freedom Caucus. They were joined by Main Street Caucus Chairman Congressman Mike Flood, Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference Congressman Blake Moore, and 24 other members in signing the letter.
The letter states that changing marijuana’s classification is unnecessary for medical research purposes. According to the signatories, Congress has already expanded opportunities for research while keeping marijuana as a Schedule I substance. They warn that rescheduling could lead to greater normalization of marijuana use, increased exposure among youth to high-potency products, and contribute further to ongoing drug issues.
“We don’t need rescheduling to do medical research on marijuana- all we are doing is exposing more of our youth to an addictive drug,” said Congressman Andy Harris.
The letter also raises concerns about public safety and national security. The lawmakers mention potential effects on road safety and drug testing in sensitive professions. They also point out risks related to financial benefits for large marijuana companies and foreign criminal organizations linked with fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, they note that Americans are becoming more aware of harms associated with marijuana use.
Congressman Pete Sessions has represented Texas’ 17th Congressional District since winning elections in 2020, 2022, and 2024 with clear majorities each time.
