In 1999, Maine was one of the first states to legalize cannabis for medical use, and in 2016, Maine voters legalized cannabis for adult use. Since then, we have worked diligently to implement a responsible regulatory framework for cultivators, processors and retailers. Now, we stand at another critical juncture — addressing the longstanding, inappropriate scheduling of cannabis under federal law as a Schedule I substance.

Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III would allow for human studies, dosing standards, promote electronic banking, lift the federal 280E tax restrictions and broaden economic opportunities for the high-quality cannabis businesses in our state. Veterans having service-related issues like chronic pain, PTSD and night terrors, in particular, stand to benefit greatly from this change.

Yet under the Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I drugs are considered to have no medical value and are determined to have a high potential for abuse —  sharing the same level of regulation and prohibition as extremely addictive, deadly substances. Cannabis has remained in this category alongside heroin and LSD for over 50 years, a designation that is simply not supported by science, public opinion or state-level policy changes.

As a state representative and a health care professional, I bring a unique perspective. Not only do I serve on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which oversees cannabis policy, but I’m also a nurse practitioner, a member of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the family business owner of a medical cannabis facility in Sanford focusing on providing services to veterans. My experience in health care, veterans’ issues and the cannabis industry has reinforced my belief that rescheduling cannabis is the right path forward.

And both past President Biden and President Donald Trump agree. Both have signaled strong support for this change, and we should welcome that direction. The Department for Health and Human Services and the Food Drug Administration recognize this overdue, common-sense reform aligns with the values of states’ rights, personal autonomy, economic growth and public safety. As a country, we must move past outdated policies and embrace a regulatory approach that reflects the reality of cannabis today.

Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III acknowledges the well-documented benefits recognized by a growing number of health care professionals, researchers, lawmakers and patients. As a nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand the efficacy of cannabis in treating patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, opiate addiction and other debilitating conditions.

Countless patients in Maine and across the country are forgoing big pharma and rely on cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids, antidepressants and other highly addictive, sometimes deadly pharmaceuticals. Continuing to treat cannabis as a Schedule I drug not only undermines patient access but also contradicts the overwhelming evidence supporting its therapeutic and palliative potential.

Many veterans who suffer from PTSD have turned to medical cannabis to manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. Working closely with veterans has reinforced how vital access to cannabis can be. Rescheduling cannabis would also expand research opportunities, providing data, information and guidance that will allow us to develop dosing standards and even more targeted therapies for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Allowing for greater research into cannabis would also help public health officials better understand the effects of cannabis and develop evidence-based policies to address any concerns. Rather than continuing a failed war on marijuana based on stigma and speculation, we should pursue a pragmatic approach balancing regulation with public safety.

Lastly, rescheduling cannabis would unlock significant economic opportunities for Maine entrepreneurs and small businesses. Currently, cannabis businesses like mine operating in legal states like Maine face severe financial burdens, taxes and fees far higher than other businesses and significant banking restrictions — stifling economic growth and job creation in an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Americans, generates billions in revenue and serves millions of consumers.

President Trump’s expressed willingness to support rescheduling is significant and something we should not let pass. Here in Maine, we have long respected the rights of patients to use cannabis. With 38 states having legalized medical marijuana and 24 allowing adult recreational use, it is high time that federal law evolve to reflect this reality — especially when these measures could be life-changing for patients, including veterans. We should seize this opportunity to lead on smart, responsible cannabis policy.