Trump’s move shifts cannabis from toughest federal category, expanding medical research access while stopping short of nationwide recreational legalization in U.S.
President Donald Trump on Thursday December 18, 2025, signed an executive order directing the federal government to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, marking one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. drug policy in decades.
The decision moves marijuana from Schedule I — the most restrictive category under federal law — to Schedule III, a classification that recognizes legitimate medical use and lower abuse potential. The change does not legalize recreational marijuana nationwide but is expected to significantly loosen federal constraints on research, regulation, and taxation.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the order reflects mounting scientific and public interest in understanding cannabis-based treatments. “Today, I’m pleased to announce that I will be signing an executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance with legitimate medical uses,” he said.
Schedule I drugs, which include heroin and LSD, are defined by the federal government as substances with no accepted medical value and a high potential for abuse. Schedule III drugs, such as ketamine and anabolic steroids, are permitted for medical use and are subject to less severe regulatory controls.
Trump emphasized that the move should not be interpreted as an endorsement of recreational drug use. Surrounded by medical professionals during the announcement, he said the order “is not the legalization” of marijuana and does not sanction its use for non-medical purposes. He also referenced his long-standing personal opposition to drug use, noting he has consistently advised his family to avoid drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
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The executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to accelerate the formal rescheduling process, which involves federal health and law enforcement agencies. While U.S. presidents cannot unilaterally change drug classifications, the directive is expected to speed up a review that has been stalled for years.
A similar effort began under former President Joe Biden but was not completed before Trump took office in early 2025. The renewed push comes as cannabis policy across the United States remains deeply fragmented.
Currently, dozens of states operate legal medical marijuana programs, and 24 states, along with Washington, D.C., allow recreational use in limited amounts. However, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, creating legal and financial challenges for researchers, healthcare providers, and cannabis businesses.
Experts say reclassification could ease barriers to clinical studies, which have long required extensive approvals due to marijuana’s Schedule I status. The shift may also have significant tax implications for companies that legally produce and sell cannabis products, potentially reducing regulatory burdens.
Despite growing state-level acceptance, the federal move underscores a cautious approach, balancing scientific access with continued restrictions on recreational use in the United States.