Trump Seeks Major Marijuana Reclassification to Ease Federal Restrictions

President Donald Trump is planning to push for looser federal marijuana restrictions. This move would significantly change how the drug is regulated nationwide. The plan has been discussed between Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

An executive order directing federal agencies is reportedly being prepared. According to The Washington Post, the aim is to reclassify marijuana to a lower-risk category. This does not mean federal legalization but would ease barriers for research and businesses.

Shifting Cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III

Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance. This classification puts it alongside drugs like heroin. Schedule I drugs are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The Trump administration’s plan would move it to Schedule III. This category includes drugs like Tylenol with codeine. Schedule III substances are recognized as having a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical applications.

This shift would be a historic change in U.S. drug policy. It would reduce federal oversight of cannabis. The change would primarily benefit state-legal cannabis businesses and researchers.

Political Support and Practical Impacts

The move has garnered interest from both political parties. Many lawmakers see the current Schedule I status as outdated. Public support for marijuana reform has grown substantially in recent years.

For the cannabis industry, reclassification would provide major financial relief. It would ease tax burdens and improve banking access. Researchers could also study the plant more freely under new guidelines.

The change would not force states to legalize cannabis. State laws prohibiting marijuana would remain in place. However, the federal government would adopt a much more permissive stance.

This planned reclassification marks a pivotal shift in American drug policy. If enacted, it would represent the most significant federal marijuana reform in decades. The move underscores a growing political consensus to reassess cannabis laws.

Info at your fingertips

What is marijuana reclassification?

It is the process of moving cannabis to a different category under the Controlled Substances Act. The Trump plan would shift it from Schedule I to Schedule III. This acknowledges a lower abuse potential and medical value.

Does reclassification mean legalization?

No, it does not. Marijuana would remain a federally controlled substance. However, moving to Schedule III dramatically reduces restrictions and penalties associated with it.

Will this allow medical use nationwide?

It would federally acknowledge accepted medical uses. However, the creation of medical marijuana programs would still be decided by individual states. It would simply remove the major federal obstacle.

Why is there bipartisan support for this?

Many lawmakers agree the current Schedule I status is scientifically inaccurate. There is also strong public support for reform. Furthermore, the state-legal industry has proven to be a significant economic engine.

What are the risks of reclassification?

Critics argue it could increase access and potential misuse. Some health officials warn about the risks of high-potency products. The regulatory framework for a Schedule III cannabis market would also need careful design.