Administration contemplating potential reclassification of marijuana under Trump's leadership
President Donald Trump's administration is considering a significant move that could reshape the landscape of marijuana use and research in the United States. The potential reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 3 drug is currently under review, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Marijuana, currently classified alongside heroin and LSD as a Schedule 1 substance, would be reclassified to a Schedule 3 drug if the proposed change is enacted. Schedule 3 drugs are those with accepted medical use and moderate to low abuse potential, such as anabolic steroids and ketamine.
This potential reclassification could have far-reaching implications. For one, it would ease research restrictions on marijuana, making it easier for scientists to conduct studies and potentially accelerate the FDA approval process for marijuana-based medicines.
Moreover, reclassification could expand prescription access to medical marijuana, acknowledging its medical utility. While it would not legalize recreational use at the federal level, it would be a significant step towards legitimizing marijuana's medical applications.
The cannabis industry could also benefit from the reclassification. State-licensed cannabis businesses would be able to take traditional tax deductions, improving their financial viability and legitimizing the industry federally in certain respects.
Additionally, rescheduling could ease financial service challenges for cannabis businesses, which currently face restrictions due to federal illegality. Although new executive orders related to fair banking do not mention cannabis explicitly, the reclassification could pave the way for improved banking and finance opportunities.
It is important to note that reclassification would not automatically legalize recreational use at the federal level. States would still have authority over legalization and regulation within their borders.
The reclassification process was initiated by the Biden administration, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommending the move to Schedule III in August 2023. The Department of Justice issued a proposed rule in May 2024 supporting this change, but the administrative hearing on the proposal has been delayed due to an appeal as of early 2025.
President Trump has not yet made a public decision on the matter, but he has expressed interest in the potential benefits of marijuana for medical use, particularly for pain relief. He was asked if reclassifying marijuana would send mixed messages as his administration wants to "clean up" crime in the nation's capital, but he did not indicate any decision on the matter during his statement.
As of August 2025, marijuana remains federally classified as a Schedule I substance. However, significant steps have been taken towards rescheduling it to Schedule III, and the Trump administration is actively reviewing the proposal.
[1] The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Weighs Rescheduling Marijuana from a Schedule 1 Drug to a Schedule 3 Drug," link [2] NORML, "Marijuana Laws in the United States," link [3] Marijuana Moment, "HHS Recommends Rescheduling Marijuana to Schedule III," link [4] Forbes, "Trump's Cannabis Banking Executive Order Could Ease Financial Challenges for Cannabis Businesses," link [5] CNN, "Trump Administration Delays Marijuana Rescheduling Decision," link
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