Washington, D.C. — The White House signaled a potential shift in cannabis policy Thursday as President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering issuing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. If enacted, the move would loosen federal restrictions on research and could alter penalties and regulatory oversight, depending on how the reclassification is implemented.
Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III would move the drug to a category with less-stringent controls for certain kinds of research and some medical uses, while still keeping it illegal at the federal level under current classifications. The change could unlock broader scientific study and allow more institutions to conduct research with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
Trump indicated in mid-December 2025 that he is considering the option, but no timetable or formal action has been announced.
Proponents say widening access to cannabis research could advance medical understanding and patient care, while opponents warn of possible increased availability or regulatory risk. The White House’s approach signals a policy pivot consistent with ongoing discussions about drug policy reform.
The idea has drawn mixed responses from lawmakers and observers; some Republican critics caution against premature changes, while supporters argue it would modernize research pathways. Coverage by Reuters, CNN, CNBC and others has chronicled the developing debate.
Any move would require executive action or other administrative steps and could trigger further political negotiations in Congress as lawmakers weigh oversight and public safety considerations.
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