President Trump stated his administration is “considering” reclassifying marijuana to a less dangerous category, following reports he may soon sign an executive order directing agencies to pursue the change.
The action would extend the Biden administration’s efforts, which began in 2024 to move marijuana to Schedule III but were not completed before Biden left office.
The big picture: Trump said significant interest exists in reclassification, as it would spur research currently hindered by marijuana’s current Schedule I status.
- The Washington Post recently reported that Trump discussed marijuana reclassification with House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Driving the news: Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug (the highest restriction, alongside heroin and LSD) since 1971, meaning it is deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
- If moved to Schedule III, marijuana would be grouped with substances like ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone and Tylenol with codeine.
- Trump previously voiced support for rescheduling during his presidential campaign and mentioned in August he would decide within “the next few weeks,” though no decision has yet been announced.
Zoom in: Rescheduling would have limited impact on criminal justice reform; critics accuse Trump of political maneuvering rather than substantive policy change.
- Currently, businesses dealing with Schedule I or II substances cannot claim federal tax deductions or credits; this would change if marijuana were rescheduled.
- Reclassification is different from descheduling; marijuana would still carry federal penalties, but the move would make research easier and benefit the cannabis industry financially.
