President Donald Trump is reportedly poised to sign an executive order that would significantly reclassify cannabis under federal law, a move marking the most substantial shift in US drug policy in decades. Reports suggest the order would downgrade cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug, placing it alongside substances like Tylenol with codeine. This change, while not federally legalising cannabis, is anticipated to unlock expanded research opportunities and introduce new tax implications for state-authorised dispensaries. The timing of this anticipated announcement could be as early as Thursday, though subject to change.

Currently, cannabis holds a Schedule I classification, reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, a status it has maintained since 1971. Reclassifying it to Schedule III acknowledges a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, and recognizes some medical utility. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) includes other substances like ketamine and anabolic steroids in this category. This administrative change would represent a formal acknowledgement of evolving scientific understanding and public sentiment regarding the plant.

The potential reclassification carries significant practical consequences beyond its symbolic weight. It could remove existing federal barriers that prohibit state-legal cannabis businesses from claiming certain tax deductions under current regulations, potentially easing their financial burden. Furthermore, reports indicate the announcement may encompass a pilot program designed to reimburse some older Americans for cannabidiol (CBD) products used in treatments for conditions such as cancer, expanding access to cannabis-derived compounds for medical purposes.

Mr. Trump has openly expressed his support for altering US drug policy concerning cannabis, stating earlier this week that he was “considering” the reclassification due to “tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify.” Last year, while campaigning for president, he articulated a desire to “end endless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” advocating for “smart regulations” and access to “safe, tested products” for adults. This aligns with a long-held view on reforming cannabis laws.

The proposed reclassification follows a similar initiative by the Biden administration, which also sought to downgrade cannabis’s federal classification. In April 2024, the DEA had itself proposed a rule change to move cannabis to Schedule III. However, those efforts became entangled in administrative and legal complexities, preventing their swift implementation. This historical context underscores a bipartisan, albeit often stalled, recognition of the need for federal reform regarding cannabis scheduling.

Despite bipartisan movement, the proposed reclassification has encountered notable resistance from within Republican ranks. A group of 22 Republican Senators recently dispatched an open letter to the president, expressing strong reservations. They argued that expanding marijuana use could hinder efforts to “re-industrialise America,” citing concerns over potential negative health impacts and research linking cannabis to “impaired judgement” and “lack of concentration.” The Senators contended that facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry conflicts with fostering economic growth and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Further opposition emerged from nine Republican representatives, who addressed a separate letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in August. These lawmakers asserted that “no adequate science or data” supports the proposed change. Their letter highlighted that while marijuana differs from heroin, it still possesses a “potential for abuse” and lacks “scientifically proven medical value.” They concluded that rescheduling marijuana would be “objectively wrong” and could erroneously imply to children that cannabis is safe.

The potential federal shift unfolds against a backdrop of widespread state-level cannabis reform. A majority of US states have already approved cannabis for various medical applications, with nearly half – 24 states – having fully legalised recreational use. Public opinion also largely favors legalisation; a November Gallup poll revealed that 64% of Americans believe marijuana should be legal. While overall support remains high, the poll noted a slight decrease in approval among Republicans, contributing to a modest national dip from previous years.

This anticipated executive order by President Trump, if enacted, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing national debate over cannabis policy. While it stops short of full federal legalisation, the reclassification to Schedule III would significantly alter the legal and research landscape, potentially paving the way for further reforms. It underscores the growing momentum for change and the complex interplay between public sentiment, scientific understanding, and political action in shaping the future of drug laws in the United States.

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Keywords: Trump cannabis policy, Marijuana reclassification, Schedule III drug, US drug policy shift, Cannabis research, Republican opposition marijuana, Federal cannabis law, CBD reimbursement program