U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Thursday that could potentially reclassify marijuana to a less hazardous status, paving the way for advancements in medical research — a significant departure from current federal drug policies and aligning more closely with actions taken by numerous states. The proposed adjustment would shift marijuana from its current designation as a Schedule I substance, grouped with heroin and LSD, to a Schedule III classification, in line with ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. While this reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration wouldn’t legalize recreational marijuana use nationwide, it could alter regulatory frameworks and alleviate the substantial tax burden on the cannabis industry.
President Trump highlighted the overwhelming support he received through numerous phone calls advocating for the change, emphasizing its potential to aid individuals in severe pain. Conversely, during the term of Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, the Justice Department also proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance.
Despite lacking unanimous support within his party, Trump proceeded with the order, facing opposition from some Republicans urging him to maintain the existing standards. Typically, such a reclassification process involves a rigorous review, including a public comment period that has garnered tens of thousands of responses nationwide. The DEA’s evaluation process was ongoing at the time Trump assumed office in January, with his order expected to expedite the proceedings, although the exact timeline remains unclear.
While many states have legalized marijuana for either recreational or medicinal purposes, federal laws have remained stringent, potentially exposing individuals to federal prosecution. Recent polling from Gallup indicates a growing sentiment among Americans supporting a less restrictive stance on marijuana, with approval for legalization rising from 36% in 2005 to 68% in the past year.
Additionally, Trump’s executive order calls for enhanced research opportunities and improved access to CBD, a legal hemp-derived product gaining popularity despite ongoing debates among experts regarding its benefits. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced a new Medicare program that would enable seniors to access legal hemp-derived CBD at no cost if recommended by a physician.
A group of more than 20 Republican senators, including some of Trump’s key allies, penned a letter this year urging the president to retain marijuana’s Schedule I status, highlighting concerns about its perceived dangers and potential negative impacts on public health, safety, and productivity. They warned that reclassification could benefit adversaries like Communist China at the expense of American citizens.
While Trump had not committed to decriminalizing marijuana previously, he explored the idea during his second term, emphasizing the issue as a state-level prerogative. Notably, his administration has focused on combatting other drugs, particularly fentanyl, with military actions targeting boats believed to be trafficking drugs. Trump also signed an executive order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
