Trump Orders Major Shift on Federal Marijuana Policy

The federal government has initiated the most significant change to U.S. drug policy in over 50 years, moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance. This action marks a historic departure from the long-standing view of cannabis as a drug with no medical value.

An executive order has directed the Justice Department to begin the formal process of shifting marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act [29753][29668]. Schedule I is reserved for substances deemed to have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," such as heroin [30135][29612]. The new classification, Schedule III, is for drugs with a moderate to low potential for dependence and recognized medical applications, a category that includes some prescription painkillers and anabolic steroids [29051][29813].

Officials emphasize that this reclassification does not legalize marijuana for recreational use nationwide [29831][29813]. However, it carries substantial practical implications. It will significantly ease restrictions on medical cannabis research, which has been severely hampered by its Schedule I status [29612][27134]. Furthermore, it will reduce crippling tax burdens for state-legal cannabis businesses by allowing them to take standard business deductions [30135][29951].

The policy shift acknowledges the reality that 38 states have already legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use [29612]. Proponents argue it resolves a longstanding conflict between state and federal law. Boxing legend and cannabis entrepreneur Mike Tyson hailed the move, stating it could allow the industry to properly account for its economic impact, including "500,000 jobs finally be[ing] counted" [29882].

While the change has broad public support, it faces criticism from some groups. The organization CatholicVote has launched a campaign urging opposition, citing concerns about addiction and public health risks, particularly for young people [29375]. Some political figures have also argued it contradicts broader "law and order" messaging [29668].

The rescheduling process is now underway and must undergo a formal regulatory review before being finalized [30099]. This action represents a fundamental softening of the federal stance on cannabis, aligning policy more closely with prevailing scientific understanding and state-level reforms.