WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is taking action on marijuana policy, signing an executive order that changes how the drug is classified at the federal level.
The president signed the order Thursday, officially moving marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.
The change eases federal restrictions, but it does not legalize marijuana nationwide. Instead, it reclassifies the drug under a category that recognizes accepted medical use and allows for expanded research.
Previously, marijuana was listed as a Schedule I substance — a classification reserved for drugs considered highly addictive with no medical value.
Under the new designation, marijuana is treated more like other Schedule Three drugs, which are generally viewed as less prone to abuse and commonly used in medical treatment. Supporters say the move could open the door to more scientific research and reduce barriers for patients who rely on medical marijuana.
The decision has drawn bipartisan attention. Most Democrats support the change, along with some Republicans, while others in the president’s party disagree with the move.
“But I’ve supported marijuana reform throughout my entirety in public service, and we welcome any opportunity moving forward to continue that work,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
“I’m fully supportive of this Schedule III,” said Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich. “Now is the right time to make it a Schedule III. The government can legitimately put money into research so our hands now are not tied.”
“I think it’s a dangerous drug and I’m not so sure that’s a good decision, but we’ll see how it plays out,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Until this week, cannabis had the same classification as heroin, LSD, ecstasy and other Schedule One drugs. The executive order directs the U.S. Attorney General to quickly loosen federal restrictions, but it lacks a precise timeline.
