Trump Takes Major Step On Marijuana

The Trump administration on Thursday moved to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana, easing research restrictions on the substance and marking the most significant shift in federal drug policy in decades.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order reclassifying FDA-approved products containing marijuana as a Schedule III drug, placing them alongside prescription medications. The administration also announced an “expedited” hearing on June 29 to consider the formal reclassification of cannabis.

“These actions will enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy, expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” Blanche said.

Under the decisive leadership of @POTUS, this Department of Justice is delivering on his promise to improve American healthcare. This includes:

• Immediately rescheduling FDA-approved marijuana and state-licensed marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule IIl

• Ordering a new,… pic.twitter.com/DUtqKQgavl

— Acting AG Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) April 23, 2026

Since 1970, marijuana has remained in Schedule I—the most restrictive category—alongside substances like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.

Scheduling of a drug is “based upon the substance’s medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Under the Controlled Substances Act, Schedule III drugs are defined as substances with a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” The DEA considers Schedule I drugs to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”

The Trump administration’s move does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law, but allows cannabis companies to deduct standard expenses like rent and payroll for the first time, CNBC reported.

“Today’s order is reflective of the Department of Justice’s continued dedication to common-sense policies and the prioritization of the safety and well-being of all Americans,” Blanche said.

In December 2025, Trump first signed an executive order directing federal agencies to increase medical marijuana and CBD research.

Over the weekend, Trump voiced frustration with the pace of the rescheduling process while signing another directive easing restrictions on psychedelics alongside podcast host Joe Rogan.

“You’re going to get the rescheduling done, right? Please? Will you get the rescheduling done, please?” Trump said to White House staff in the Oval Office. “Joe, they’re slow-walking me on rescheduling, okay? You’re going to get it done.”

Two dozen states, along with Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana use, according to the Associated Press. About 40 states have medical marijuana programs, and eight others permit low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical purposes. Only Idaho and Kansas maintain a full ban on marijuana.

In November 2024, voters in Nebraska approved a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. Ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana failed in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota.