President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday designed to accelerate the reclassification of cannabis under U.S. law, a move that could significantly expand scientific research into its medical uses. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the action as "common sense," emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between widespread medical marijuana use and the scientific understanding of its risks and benefits.
The order directs federal officials, specifically instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi, to expedite the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, marijuana sits alongside heroin and LSD as a Schedule I substance, defined as having no accepted medical use. Reclassifying it to Schedule III—a category including drugs like Tylenol with codeine and testosterone—would acknowledge its medical potential and drastically reduce the "red tape" hindering research.
This shift is expected to empower the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to more easily study marijuana and CBD (cannabidiol) for treating conditions such as chronic pain. A senior administration official stated the goal is to "remove barriers to research" to better inform patients and doctors. The order also specifically addresses CBD, directing White House officials to work with Congress to ensure access to safe products while mitigating health risks.
However, the President was clear about the limits of this order. "It doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form or and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug," Trump stressed, warning against recreational use of controlled substances. While the move does not legalize cannabis federally, officials suggest it could eventually broaden access to cannabis-based treatments for groups like seniors and veterans.
The executive order has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed it as "a step in the right direction," though he noted more work is needed on banking and past drug policies. This federal action comes at a time when public support for legalization is high, with a recent Gallup poll showing 64% of U.S. adults favor legalizing marijuana.
