President Donald Trump has ordered the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, a significant change that acknowledges longstanding criticisms regarding the plant’s legal status. This decision, made on March 15, 2025, is seen as a response to evolving public opinion and scientific research regarding marijuana’s medical applications.
Under the new classification, marijuana will be placed alongside substances like ketamine and anabolic steroids, which are recognized for their medical use. Schedule I currently includes drugs such as heroin and LSD, which are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This historic shift follows nearly forty years of debate and legal challenges surrounding marijuana’s classification.
In 1988, Francis Young, then chief administrative law judge at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), concluded that marijuana should not be classified as a Schedule I substance. Young argued that marijuana was “one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man” and had accepted medical uses, particularly for conditions like nausea from chemotherapy and multiple sclerosis. Despite his findings, the DEA maintained marijuana’s Schedule I status until recent developments.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a review, ordered by President Joe Biden, which concluded in 2023 that there is “credible scientific support” for marijuana’s medical benefits. The review highlighted marijuana’s effectiveness in treating pain, nausea, and other conditions. It stated, “the vast majority of individuals who use marijuana are doing so in a manner that does not lead to dangerous outcomes.” This evidence prompted a recommendation to shift marijuana to Schedule III, which was ultimately accepted by Attorney General Merrick Garland in May 2024.
Despite Trump’s executive order, it is important to note that the reclassification does not equate to full legalization. Medical use will still require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific cannabis-based products. Moreover, state-licensed marijuana businesses will continue to operate under federal law as criminal enterprises, although with potential for less severe penalties due to the reclassification.
Nevertheless, the change will benefit these businesses by allowing them to claim standard deductions on their income tax returns, a change that could alleviate some financial burdens they face due to high effective tax rates. Trump’s order did not specifically address these benefits for marijuana merchants, which raises questions given his support for recreational legalization in states like Florida.
As of now, 40 states have legalized marijuana for medical use, with 24 states allowing recreational use as well. This has created an ongoing conflict between state and federal laws, reflecting a shift in public sentiment, with many Americans opposing strict federal prohibition.
Trump emphasized that his order “doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form,” a statement that underscores the complexities surrounding federal drug policy. While the reclassification marks a notable step forward, debates over marijuana’s legal status and its implications for public health and safety will likely continue.
