Trump Takes Bold Step to Alter Marijuana Classification

Fri Dec 19 2025 10:20:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a move signaling a significant shift in U.S. drug policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to potentially reclassify marijuana, aligning it closer to states' legalization efforts and promoting research advancements.

President Trump signed an executive order to initiate the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance. This transition aligns federal regulations more closely with state laws, aiming to reduce burdens on the cannabis industry, although recreational use remains illegal nationwide. The move has garnered mixed reactions from Republican lawmakers, with a significant faction opposing any change in marijuana's classification.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a landmark decision, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aiming to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, potentially paving the way for expanded medical research and altered federal drug policies.

Marijuana, currently classified as a Schedule I drug, which is on par with heroin, could transition to a Schedule III classification, akin to that of ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. While this change would not legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level, it could alleviate substantial tax burdens on cannabis businesses and modify how the drug is regulated.

Addressing the move, Trump stated he has received numerous calls from individuals in severe pain expressing their support for marijuana reform. “We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain,” he emphasized.

Interestingly, during the previous administration under President Joe Biden, there were also discussions regarding the potential reclassification of marijuana, but Trump faces more dissent from his party with some Republicans urging him to uphold the current federal standards.

Though the executive order is a significant step, it is expected to initiate a lengthy process involving a public comment period that could affect the timetable for implementation.

National polling data from Gallup shows a growing acceptance among Americans for more lenient marijuana laws, with support rising from 36% in 2005 to 68% last year. Furthermore, Trump’s order encourages expanded research and accessibility of CBD, a hemp-derived product that has gained popularity among consumers.

Despite backing from some quarters, over 20 Republican senators have pushed back, warning that reclassifying marijuana could undermine Trump's broader political agenda and public health initiatives, echoing concerns about the potential negative impacts on safety and health.

Discord within Congress highlights the ongoing complexities in balancing state and federal laws concerning marijuana as more states move towards legalization, both for medicinal and recreational use. As the nation grapples with drug policy reform, the future remains uncertain for the regulations surrounding cannabis.