#United States #Washington #Cannabis #National Safety Council #President Trump

National Safety Council's Stance on Cannabis Rescheduling

On December 18, 2025, the National Safety Council (NSC) made a significant statement regarding President Trump's executive order aimed at expediting the rescheduling of cannabis. This order directs the Attorney General to hasten the completion of the cannabis rescheduling process, which would classify cannabis as a less dangerous drug, potentially opening doors for expanded research opportunities.

Lorraine Martin, the CEO of the National Safety Council, welcomed the executive order as a progressive step towards advancing essential safety research in the domain of cannabis. However, she stressed that this action should be accompanied by robust risk-mitigation strategies aimed at safeguarding public safety. The NSC's primary concern lies in the impairments caused by cannabis on psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities, emphasizing that there's no safe level of cannabis usage for individuals who drive or work in safety-sensitive roles.

Martin pointed out the critical need for the Trump Administration to ensure that the positive aspects of cannabis rescheduling do not lead to an escalation in impairment-related incidents on the roads or in workplaces, where the statistics surrounding injuries and fatalities due to impairments are already alarmingly high.

The potential risks associated with cannabis consumption—specifically in the context of operating vehicles or complex machinery—cannot be overlooked. Cannabis can significantly affect an individual's motor skills, navigation, and cognitive functions, heightening the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. According to data released by the NSC, nearly one-third of employees have reported witnessing cannabis usage during work hours. Furthermore, a report by Quest Diagnostics highlighted that occupational cannabis positivity rates surged post-incident by 25% in 2022, reaching unprecedented levels.

In light of these findings, it is clear that the primary cause of workplace fatalities in the U.S. is linked to transportation-related incidents. While transitioning to a lower scheduling category for cannabis presents certain inherent risks, it simultaneously promises to eliminate obstacles hindering academic and scientific research. This shift could provide safety professionals with a deeper understanding of how cannabis consumption impacts public safety and its implications for workforce and transportation system navigation.

The NSC's statement invites further dialogue and action regarding this crucial issue. The Council firmly believes that advancing cannabis research must go hand in hand with ensuring the safety of individuals in workplaces and on the roads. For anyone interested in exploring this topic further, comprehensive resources and guidance can be accessed via their official website.

For more details, refer to NSC’s official resource.