Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order directing the federal government to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, marking a significant shift in U.S. drug policy and federal oversight of cannabis.
The reclassification acknowledges that marijuana has recognized medical uses and a lower potential for abuse than substances listed under Schedule I, which currently includes drugs such as heroin and LSD. By placing marijuana in Schedule III, alongside medications like ketamine and certain anabolic steroids, the administration aims to ease longstanding barriers to scientific research and clinical study.
According to the White House, the order is designed to accelerate medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) research, enabling doctors, scientists, and pharmaceutical developers to conduct studies under clearer and less restrictive federal guidelines. Supporters say this change could lead to more rigorous trials, standardized dosing, and improved patient access to evidence-based treatments.
Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, have been instructed to implement the change in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The move does not legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level, nor does it override state laws governing cannabis use, distribution, or sales.
Advocates for patients and researchers welcomed the decision, arguing that the Schedule I designation had for decades limited access to funding, research-grade cannabis, and multi-site clinical trials. Medical professionals have also said the change could help clarify guidance for physicians treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms.
Critics cautioned that reclassification alone will not resolve inconsistencies between federal and state cannabis laws or address broader criminal justice concerns related to past marijuana convictions. Others emphasized the need for clear regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety and prevent misuse.
The administration characterized the Executive Order as a targeted step focused on science and patient care, signaling a more research-driven approach to cannabis policy while leaving broader legalization debates to Congress and the states.
