WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, December 18, 2025, directing federal agencies to expedite the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, acknowledging its potential medical uses while explicitly stating the move does not legalize the drug for recreational purposes. The order, signed in the Oval Office, aims to facilitate expanded research into cannabis's therapeutic benefits and address long-standing calls for policy reform.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized the medical focus: "We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain." He reiterated, "It doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form, and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug." Trump added personal advice: "I’ve always told my children: don’t take drugs, no drinking, no smoking, and just stay away from drugs." The president highlighted potential applications, noting marijuana "can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered," including as a substitute for addictive opioids.
The executive order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to "take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process" for rescheduling in the "most expeditious manner." It builds on a stalled Biden-era proposal from 2024, where the Department of Health and Human Services recommended moving marijuana to Schedule III based on accepted medical use and lower abuse potential compared to Schedule I substances like heroin.
Schedule I drugs are defined by the DEA as having "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." Reclassification to Schedule III would align marijuana with drugs like ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids, easing research barriers, enabling pharmaceutical development, and providing tax relief for legal cannabis businesses under IRS rules.
White House officials stressed the order prioritizes research into benefits for chronic pain, cancer, seizures, and neurological conditions, while addressing risks. It also calls for studies on long-term effects and urges Congress to clarify hemp-derived CBD access.
Trump previewed the action earlier in the week, stating it would enable "tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify." The decision fulfills a 2024 campaign pledge amid lobbying from industry groups and patient advocates.
Reactions were mixed. Cannabis stocks surged, with companies like Tilray and Canopy Growth gaining significantly. Advocates hailed it as historic progress, while critics, including some Republicans, warned of mixed messages to youth. Conservative groups opposed the change, citing health risks.
The order does not alter federal prohibition on recreational use or interstate commerce. Full implementation requires DEA rulemaking, potentially taking months, with public comment periods.
This marks the most substantial federal cannabis policy shift in decades, reflecting evolving public opinion—over 70% support legalization per recent polls—and state-level reforms in 38 states for medical use and 24 for recreational.
Trump's personal evolution on the issue—from opposition during his first term to support for rescheduling—aligns with broader GOP shifts among younger voters.
The administration framed the move as compassionate and evidence-based, contrasting with Biden's incomplete efforts. Future steps may include FDA guidance on medical cannabis and Medicare pilot programs for CBD.
As research expands, the reclassification could pave the way for FDA-approved marijuana-derived medications, transforming patient access while maintaining federal controls.
