The Trump administration announced a significant change in federal drug policy by reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III. This reclassification, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, is intended to facilitate more rigorous research into marijuana's safety and efficacy, potentially improving patient access to treatments and aiding healthcare providers in making informed decisions.
Historically, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug since 1970, a category reserved for substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs, in contrast, are recognized as having a moderate to low potential for dependence. This change does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law but does allow cannabis companies to deduct standard business expenses, such as payroll and rent, for the first time.
Blanche emphasized that the order reflects the Department of Justice's commitment to improving healthcare and ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans. This move follows an executive order signed by Trump in December 2025 aimed at increasing research on medical marijuana and CBD.
Despite the federal reclassification, the legal status of marijuana remains complex. Currently, two dozen states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational use, while approximately 40 states have established medical marijuana programs. Only Idaho and Kansas maintain a complete ban on marijuana.
The administration's decision also aligns with a broader trend, as voters in Nebraska approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana in November 2024, although recent efforts to legalize recreational use have faced setbacks in states like Florida and South Dakota. An expedited hearing is scheduled for June 29 to consider the formal reclassification of cannabis.