Local CBD shop reacts to cannabis reclassification

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Thursday, December 18, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the reclassification of cannabis, moving it from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug.

Craig Sutherland of Sutherland CBD in Superior says the move fights the stigma surrounding cannabis.

“It’s huge, the stigma it will still always be there a little bit, you know, there’s always a stigma to everything from alcohol to cannabis, but it softens it, and it opens up the doors to more business getting involved, and more of these conversations happening,” Sutherland said.

While the order does not make cannabis legal nationwide, the drug is seen as having medical purposes and separates it from other Schedule 1 drugs such as heroin.

“What this will also do is it’ll open up a conversation so we can extend and create policy around hemp products that can encompass marijuana at the same time. What we’re going to see now, you might see states like Wisconsin, not afraid to legalize now,” Sutherland said.

The reclassification also paves the way for the Food and Drug Administration to research cannabis for its medicinal uses.

Which Sutherland says can have drawbacks on independent companies.

“I hope this doesn’t align the future for big pharmacy to take this over. And my fear is, once the FDA approves this, you’re gonna see Walgreens and CVS become dispensaries. And what this will mean for recreational states moving forward,” Sutherland said.

Overall, Sutherland says the move is a positive one, especially after a federal hemp ban looks to take effect next November.

“It’s a time to celebrate. It’s time to clap. You know, a month ago, the cannabis industry got a gut punch by the federal government, and this is our way of coming back a little bit,” Sutherland said.