In a significant move that could reshape the federal approach to cannabis, President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order aimed at reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This change, anticipated to take effect as early as Wednesday, would alleviate some federal restrictions currently imposed on the substance.
Currently categorized as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), marijuana is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Reclassifying it to Schedule III would recognize marijuana as having “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence” and a lower abuse potential compared to substances classified in higher schedules.
While this executive order will not fully legalize marijuana, it is expected to allow for increased scientific research into its potential health benefits. Officials close to the administration have indicated that the current classification hinders the ability of researchers to explore the safety and efficacy of marijuana, particularly for medical purposes.
In a statement made on Monday, Trump expressed his support for the reclassification, noting that it would facilitate important research. “A lot of people want to see it, the reclassification, because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify,” he stated. Trump acknowledged that the topic is complex but highlighted his interest in the potential medical applications of cannabis, particularly in treating chronic pain and various illnesses.
This announcement follows earlier reports from August regarding discussions within the administration about changing marijuana’s classification. As public interest in medical marijuana continues to grow, this executive order could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis policy in the United States.
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