President Trump Orders Cannabis Rescheduling to Boost Medical Research
President Trump orders cannabis reclassification to Schedule III to enhance medical research, while new legislation and studies highlight hemp safety and opioid reduction
Key Points
- 1President Trump orders cannabis reclassified to Schedule III
- 2Oregon Senators reintroduce hemp safety legislation
- 3Study shows medical cannabis reduces opioid use
- 4Experts explore cannabis genetics' impact on cannabinoids
In a significant policy shift, President Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, directing federal agencies to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This move aims to facilitate medical marijuana and CBD research, addressing the gap between current usage and medical understanding. The order emphasizes the need for research that includes real-world evidence and affordable access, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults
In parallel developments, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have reintroduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) to set safety standards for hemp products. This legislative effort follows the inclusion of hemp-related provisions in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which redefined hemp and imposed limits on THC content in hemp-derived products. The CSRA aims to ensure the safe return of hemp products to the market, enhancing consumer safety and regulatory compliance
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights the potential of medical cannabis in reducing opioid dependency among chronic pain patients. Conducted by researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, the study involved 204 adults in the New York State Medical Cannabis Program. The findings suggest that pharmacist-supervised medical cannabis use can alleviate chronic pain and decrease reliance on opioids, offering a promising tool in addressing the opioid crisis
Further advancing cannabis science, experts like Zacariah Hildenbrand and Adam Jacques are exploring the role of cannabis genetics in cannabinoid profiles. Their insights, shared in recent publications, underscore the importance of understanding genetic variations in cannabis plants. Additionally, osteopathic physician Dustin Sulak's webinar series delves into the latest cannabis research, including its effects on opioid use, alcohol cravings, and symptom relief for autism spectrum disorder