US government reclassifies cannabis for medical use, easing access and research
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The US government has reclassified cannabis, making it easier for Americans to use the drug for medical reasons and enabling more research into its safety and efficacy. Marijuana has been reclassified as having moderate to low addiction potential, a move that acting attorney general Todd Blanche stated would expand patients' access to treatments and empower doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions. Previously, cannabis was classified as "Schedule I," a category for drugs with "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," which includes substances like heroin and methamphetamine, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency. It has now been moved to the third rung of the five-level Drug Schedule. The Department of Justice indicated that Thursday's action followed President Donald Trump’s executive order in December concerning increased medical marijuana research.
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Must ReadRivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, citing the need for him to continue his vision for the country's development. Speaking at a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara described President Tinubu as a dedicated and patriotic leader, highlighting the administration's achievements over the past three years, including economic transformation and infrastructural projects like the coastal road. He emphasized that with President Tinubu, the nation is in safe hands and more would be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Governor Fubara also stressed the importance of Southern cooperation and solidarity to promote collective interests and collaborate with the Federal Government. He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional rulers as a link between the people and the government, urging them to foster peace, security, and progress in Southern Nigeria and the country. The meeting, attended by traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West zones, aimed to discuss the role of traditional institutions in promoting unity and development.
Spain's Lamine Yamal has sustained a hamstring injury in his left leg, Barcelona announced. The club confirmed that the first-team player will undergo conservative treatment and miss the remainder of the season, but is anticipated to be available for the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 this year. Yamal picked up the injury during Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Wednesday, where he scored a penalty. The teenage Spain star, who has scored six goals in 25 appearances for the national side since his 2023 debut, expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, "This isn’t the end, it’s just a break. I’ll come back stronger, with even more determination than ever, and next season will be better." Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the injury. Spain is set to begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay six days later. Yamal, the club's leading scorer with 24 goals this season, was an integral part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning side and had recently spoken of his dream to play in the World Cup. He joins other key Spain internationals like Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, and Nico Williams who are either sidelined or recovering from injuries. There is a possibility that the 18-year-old could be rested at the start of the tournament to avoid aggravating his injury.
Must ReadThe House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional troops to Askira-Uba and Kachia communities in Borno and Kaduna States, respectively, following recent violent attacks by bandits. This resolution came after two motions of urgent public importance were raised by Midala Balami, representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, and Gabriel Zock, representing Kachia/Kagoro Federal Constituency. Balami highlighted persistent attacks in his constituency, including the abduction of about 20 persons along the Biu-Buratai-Damaturu road, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and disruption of socio-economic activities. He noted that despite efforts, security responses have been insufficient. The House urged the Federal Government to deploy military and paramilitary personnel to affected Borno communities, ensure the rescue of abducted persons, and called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other security chiefs to intensify surveillance and establish permanent security outposts. They also requested the National Emergency Management Agency to provide humanitarian assistance. Zock reported that his Kaduna constituency has seen the killing of 20-30 persons in coordinated attacks, mass abductions of 260-350 people between October 2025 and April 2026, and the abduction of 180 residents in January 2026, including worshippers. He also mentioned the abduction of 32 persons in Kagarko in February 2026 and a recent att
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has announced it is welcoming members from other political parties across the nation, expressing confidence in winning Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the party's National Vice Chairman, South East, Chief Teddy Obey, characterized the NDC as a "clean, uncompromised platform" for Nigerians seeking an alternative to "recycled promises." Obey highlighted the NDC's status as Nigeria's newest political party and its lack of ongoing litigation as key advantages. He noted that other parties are involved in legal disputes, while the NDC is focused on building its structure. Obey was in Imo State to address grievances and prevent any suspicion of compromise, aiming to demonstrate the party's distinct approach. He also announced interim appointments for the party in Imo State, including Reginald Uwakwe as Interim State Chairman and Fabian Onyekwulisi as Chairman of both the Contact and Mobilisation Committee and the Candidate Selection Processes Committee.