President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order instructing federal agencies to accelerate the long-delayed process of changing how marijuana is classified under U.S. drug law, a move aimed at expanding scientific research but stopping short of full legalization.
The order, signed Thursday, directs the Attorney General to move quickly toward reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are defined as having no accepted medical use, while Schedule III substances are recognized for medical treatment and carry fewer regulatory barriers.
Speaking from the White House, President Trump said the action is intended to bridge the gap between widespread medical use of marijuana across the country and the limited scope of federally approved research. He emphasized that the decision focuses on science and public health, not recreational legalization or criminal justice reform.
“This will allow researchers to finally study marijuana properly – both its potential benefits and its risks,” Trump said, calling the current system outdated and inefficient.
A Process Restarted After Years of Delay
The reclassification effort traces back to a federal review initiated in 2022, when health agencies were asked to reassess marijuana’s status. In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that there was sufficient evidence supporting medical use for certain conditions, including chronic pain and chemotherapy-related nausea. That review recommended moving marijuana to Schedule III.
Despite a proposed rule issued by the Justice Department in 2024 – and tens of thousands of public comments – the process stalled. The new executive order is intended to break that logjam by setting a clear expectation for rapid completion.
If finalized, the change would remove marijuana from the same legal category as drugs such as heroin and instead align it with medications that have recognized medical value but remain regulated.
Implications for Patients and Businesses
Supporters argue that reclassification would significantly expand research opportunities and ease financial pressure on state-licensed cannabis businesses. Under current federal law, marijuana companies are barred from deducting standard business expenses, resulting in unusually high tax burdens.
Industry representatives welcomed the announcement, saying it could free up capital for compliance, safety improvements, and job creation. State regulators also noted that broader research access could lead to more consistent medical guidance for patients.
However, officials cautioned that the move would not resolve all challenges facing the cannabis industry, including banking restrictions and differences between state and federal laws.
CBD Products Also Addressed
The executive order also touches on hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), directing federal officials to work with Congress on clarifying regulations for these products. Lawmakers have raised concerns that upcoming THC thresholds could unintentionally ban many existing CBD items.
Separately, federal health administrators announced plans to explore limited Medicare funding pathways for CBD-based treatments, potentially beginning in 2026.
Mixed Reactions From Public Health Advocates
While many praised the order as a pragmatic step forward, critics warned it could send the wrong message about marijuana’s safety. Some advocacy groups argue that rescheduling may downplay potential health risks, particularly for young people.
Others noted that doctors would still be unable to prescribe marijuana unless it receives formal approval from the Food and Drug Administration, meaning access issues would remain even after reclassification.
The executive order itself acknowledges these limitations, stating that it does not create new legal rights or guarantees and must still proceed through formal rulemaking.
As federal agencies move forward, the decision marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. marijuana policy in decades – one focused on research and regulation rather than outright legalization.
