Trump Weighs Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug, Pushing Federal Policy Shift

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could significantly reshape federal cannabis policy and expand research into its medical uses. Trump said officials are “looking at” issuing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, placing it alongside drugs with recognized medical applications and moderated abuse potential.

Currently, marijuana is classified at the federal level as a Schedule I drug, alongside substances like heroin and ecstasy, which are deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Moving it to Schedule III—where drugs such as ketamine, certain steroids, and Tylenol with codeine reside—would acknowledge cannabis’ medical value and lower perceived danger, while still keeping it regulated under federal law.

Trump told reporters at the White House that rescheduling could unlock “tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify” and that the administration is giving the idea serious consideration, though no final decisions have been made. 

Industry observers and cannabis advocates have said rescheduling could boost scientific study and ease financial and regulatory barriers for marijuana businesses, which currently struggle with federal restrictions such as limited banking access and punitive tax codes. Experts also note that altering marijuana’s schedule could influence investment, research funding, and broader public perceptions of the drug’s health impacts.

However, even if the reclassification proceeds, marijuana would remain illegal at the federal level without full descheduling, and state laws governing recreational and medical use would continue to vary widely across the country.