Trump Executive Order Could Spark Federal Marijuana Reclassification

President Donald Trump is preparing to dramatically loosen federal marijuana restrictions. According to the Washington Post, he plans to direct agencies to reclassify the drug. This potential executive order is expected soon.

The move would shift cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. That is a major policy shift. It follows a reported discussion between Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Political Maneuvering Sets Stage for Policy Shift

Sources indicate Trump discussed the plan in an Oval Office call. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism during that conversation. The Speaker reportedly listed studies opposing reclassification.

Trump then had marijuana industry executives rebut those arguments. The call ended with Trump appearing ready to proceed. However, officials caution the plans are not yet final.

A White House official confirmed no final decision has been made. The Department of Health and Human Services deferred questions. This suggests internal reviews are ongoing.

The reported order would not legalize marijuana nationally. Yet it would significantly reduce research barriers. It would also provide a major financial boost to state-legal cannabis businesses.

Understanding the Impact of Schedule III Status

Marijuana currently sits in Schedule I. This category includes drugs like heroin. Federal law claims these substances have no medical use and high abuse potential.

Schedule III is a far less restrictive category. It includes drugs like Tylenol with codeine. The reclassification acknowledges accepted medical use and lower abuse potential.

This change has broad bipartisan interest. Many politicians see its medical potential. Public opinion strongly supports easing federal restrictions.

The industry is already worth billions nationally. Dozens of states have legalized medical use. Twenty-four states permit recreational cannabis.

The Biden administration previously recommended this reclassification. Their process, however, stalled at the Drug Enforcement Administration. Trump’s executive order could now accomplish what Biden’s team could not.

This potential Trump executive order on marijuana reclassification represents a historic federal pivot. It would reshape the legal and medical landscape for cannabis nationwide. The policy shift could unlock vast new research and economic potential.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Will this executive order make marijuana legal?

No. Reclassification to Schedule III does not equal federal legalization. It primarily eases research restrictions and reduces tax burdens on state-legal businesses. State laws governing medical and recreational use would remain in effect.

Q2: How is this different from what Biden proposed?

The Biden administration recommended reclassification through a health agency review. That process stalled. Trump’s approach uses an executive order to direct agencies, aiming for a faster outcome. The end result—Schedule III status—would be similar.

Q3: What are the immediate effects if this happens?

Legal cannabis businesses would immediately benefit from tax code changes. Researchers would face fewer hurdles to study the plant. The change would also signal a major shift in the federal government’s stance on cannabis.

Q4: Does this affect current state marijuana laws?

No. State laws allowing medical or recreational cannabis would remain unchanged. The reclassification is a federal action. It would, however, reduce the conflict between state legality and federal prohibition.

Q5: Why is Speaker Mike Johnson skeptical?

Reports indicate Johnson cited studies about potential harms. He expressed concern about impacts on children and public health. The industry executives on Trump’s call argued against those points.