Last week Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research,” directing federal agencies to enact the rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III controlled substance and expand scientific study of cannabis and cannabidiol.
The policy aims to close gaps between medical use and limited clinical evidence, allowing more research to inform patients and doctors about both risks and benefits.
Under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Schedule I drugs are defined as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” However, Schedule III drugs are recognized as having “moderate” to “low potential for dependence and possible medical applications.”
The White House order directs the Attorney General to “take all necessary steps” to complete marijuana’s rescheduling “in the most expeditious manner in accordance with Federal law.” (RELATED: Three Illegal Immigrants Face Fifteen Years In Prison Over Alleged Burglary Spree)
The shift represents a break from typical Republican party lines, which historically has supported strict drug enforcement dating back to the 1970s and the “War on Drugs.” Traditionally, the GOP have opposed loosening cannabis restrictions, emphasizing public safety concerns and potential youth misuse.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and House Freedom Caucus members, publicly urged the president to maintain marijuana’s Schedule I status, warning that rescheduling could send the “wrong message” about drug use. (RELATED: Wisconsin Lawmakers Move to Fix ‘F’ Rating on Human Trafficking Laws)
The president framed his decision as rooted in public support and medical necessity. Trump characterized the policy as commonsense reform that aligns the government with many state laws permitting medical cannabis. According to the AssociatedPress, a majority of Americans support marijuana policy reform, reflecting broader cultural shifts.
This executive action also supports longstanding bipartisan efforts to bolster research infrastructure. in 2022, the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act of 2022, passed with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans, established pathways for clinical studies of cannabis and its products.