Trump Moves to Reclassify Marijuana in Major Shift to US Drug Policy

US President Donald Trump has signed an order to reclassify marijuana at the federal level. The action was taken on Thursday in Washington. It directs the attorney general to move fast on the change. It marks one of the biggest shifts in US drug policy in decades.

The order lowers marijuana from the strict Schedule I group. It brings it closer to drugs seen as less dangerous. The move could reshape the cannabis market. It could also open new doors for medical research and banking access.

Trump Marijuana Reclassification Order Explained

According to Reuters, the order pushes marijuana toward a Schedule III status. This means the drug would be grouped with substances used for accepted medical care. It would no longer be listed with drugs such as heroin. It could also unlock billions in long-blocked research funds.

Many states already allow medical or recreational cannabis. But federal rules have stayed frozen since 1971. That gap has caused problems for doctors, labs, banks, and investors. The White House said the main goal now is to expand medical research. It wants better data on risks and treatment uses.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will also move to allow some patients to use hemp‑based CBD. This could begin in April. The administration says this will help patients who have long asked for new options.

Reactions were mixed. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer praised the move. But dozens of Republican lawmakers pushed back. They said the change could harm public health and weaken industry goals. The BBC reported that a group of GOP senators warned the shift could affect US economic output.

Why the Marijuana Policy Shift Matters Now

Public support for legal marijuana remains high. Gallup polling shows most Americans back legalization. Still, support dipped slightly this year due to a drop among Republicans. That divide now shapes the debate in Congress and across states.

Republican critics argue marijuana can impair judgment. They also say it may hurt workplace safety. Some lawmakers warn that research does not yet prove strong medical value. They say reclassification sends the wrong message to young people.

Supporters say the opposite. They argue the current rule blocks needed medical study. They also say patients suffer under outdated laws. The industry says stable rules are needed for long-term planning. It also says banks need protection so companies can operate safely.

The market reacted fast after the news. Cannabis stocks jumped early in the day. But gains faded by the close. Reuters reported that shares of Tilray, Aurora Cannabis, SNDL, and Canopy Growth all fell by late afternoon.

The White House said marijuana will still remain illegal at the federal level. It will also remain subject to state laws. Trump said he does not plan to use marijuana himself. But he said many Americans “need it” for health reasons.

The marijuana reclassification order marks a rare policy shift in a long‑frozen debate. The move may reshape how the US handles medical cannabis. It also places the marijuana issue back at the center of national politics.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What does marijuana reclassification mean?

It means the federal government will treat marijuana as less dangerous. It moves the drug to a lower schedule. It also opens more room for medical research.

Q2: Is marijuana now legal in the US?

No. It is still illegal at the federal level. States will continue to set their own rules.

Q3: How will this change affect the cannabis industry?

It may improve access to banking and research. It could also reduce tax burdens. But full stability will still need Congress to act.

Q4: Why do some lawmakers oppose the move?

They say marijuana can harm health. They warn that research is not strong enough to prove medical value. They also worry about youth use.

Q5: When will the new rules take effect?

The attorney general must complete the process first. It could take months. Agencies will then update their policies.