In a significant shift in federal drug policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reclassifying marijuana as a less harmful substance. This move aligns more closely with the regulations of many states and could pave the way for enhanced medical research.
The initiative proposes moving marijuana from its current status as a Schedule I drug—grouped with substances like heroin and LSD—to a Schedule III classification, similar to ketamine and certain anabolic steroids.
While this reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wouldn’t make recreational marijuana use legal across the country, it could alter regulatory frameworks and lessen the substantial tax burdens faced by the cannabis industry.
The idea of reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance was also suggested under former President Joe Biden’s administration. However, unlike Biden, Trump does not have widespread support from within his own party for this initiative. Some Republicans have voiced their opposition, urging Trump to retain the existing regulations.
Typically, such a reclassification involves a lengthy process, including a public comment phase that has seen widespread engagement from the American public. The DEA was still reviewing these comments when Trump assumed office in January. His executive order is anticipated to expedite the process, although the timeline for completion remains uncertain.
While numerous states have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use, federal laws have remained stringent, potentially exposing individuals to federal legal actions.
Polling from Gallup shows more Americans back a less restrictive approach: Support for marijuana legalization has grown significantly, from just 36% support in 2005 to 68% last year.
Trump’s order also calls for expanded research and access to CBD, a legal and increasingly popular hemp-derived product whose benefits are debated by experts.
More than 20 Republican senators, several of them staunch Trump allies, signed a letter this year urging the president to keep marijuana a Schedule I drug. Led by North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd, the group argued that marijuana continues to be dangerous and that a shift would “undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again.” They argued, too, that marijuana negatively affects users’ physical and mental health, as well as road and workplace safety.
“The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill,” the letter said, referring to China’s place in the cannabis market.
As for decriminalizing marijuana, Trump has not previously committed to such a move, though he had considered reclassifying it for much of his second term. He once said as a candidate that it should remain a state-by-state issue.
As president, he has made his crusade against other drugs, especially fentanyl, a feature of his second term, ordering U.S. military attacks on Venezuelan and other boats the administration insists are ferrying drugs.
He signed another executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.
Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
.
