Trump to Reclassify Marijuana in Major Federal Policy Shift

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order reclassifying marijuana under federal law, marking one of the most significant changes to U.S. drug policy in decades. The order would move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act [27134][29051].

Schedule I drugs are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, a category that includes heroin. Schedule III drugs are recognized as having accepted medical uses and a moderate to low potential for dependence, similar to some prescription painkillers [29375][29051]. This shift would not legalize marijuana nationwide but would dramatically ease federal restrictions surrounding it [29051].

The change is poised to reshape the legal cannabis industry by reducing research barriers and allowing for more scientific study [27134]. It would also ease tax burdens for state-legal cannabis businesses and reduce many federal criminal penalties for marijuana-related activities [27134][29051]. President Trump confirmed the administration was "looking at that" when asked about the potential order [27134].

This policy move comes amid other, more aggressive drug war proposals from the Trump administration, including labeling street fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" and authorizing potential military strikes against drug traffickers [27163][17358]. However, the rescheduling of marijuana represents a distinct and substantial liberalization of federal stance on the substance [26772].

The plan has drawn both support and criticism. A prominent Catholic advocacy group, CatholicVote, has launched a campaign urging Trump to reject the rescheduling, citing concerns about public health risks and increased use among young people [29375]. Despite such opposition, the administration appears set to proceed with the historic change [29051].