Trump Signs Order Reclassifying Cannabis to Expand Research Opportunities
President Trump signed an order reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III, aiming to boost research opportunities while addressing medical and legal implications
Key Points
- 1President Trump reclassified cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III
- 2The reclassification aims to expand cannabis research opportunities
- 3Some Republicans warn this could normalize cannabis use
- 4The DEA classifies Schedule III drugs as having moderate to low abuse potential
- 5The order includes directives to improve CBD accessibility and research
In a landmark decision, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis, shifting it from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This move, announced on December 18, 2025, is aimed at increasing research opportunities into the potential benefits of cannabis. The reclassification aligns cannabis with substances like Tylenol with codeine, which have recognized medical uses and lower abuse potential
Despite cannabis remaining illegal at the federal level, the reclassification to Schedule III is expected to facilitate more extensive research into its medical benefits. However, some Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns, fearing that this could normalize cannabis use in society. The DEA has noted that Schedule III substances present a moderate to low risk of physical and psychological dependence
Trump's decision also includes directives for the White House to work with Congress to allow certain groups access to cannabidiol (CBD). Moreover, public health officials are tasked with developing methods to assess the health benefits and risks of CBD. This initiative has been described as a reasonable step toward better understanding and researching cannabis and CBD