Trump Reclassifies Cannabis, Expanding Research Access
President signs an executive order to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, expanding research access and CBD study, while retaining federal bans in other areas.
In a bold policy move, the White House signed an executive order aimed at broadening how cannabis is studied in the United States. The action would shift cannabis from the most restricted federal category to a Schedule III designation, expanding research opportunities while maintaining a federal prohibition in many other areas.
The order instructs the U.S. attorney general to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, placing it alongside medicines such as acetaminophen with codeine. This change would still keep cannabis illegal at the federal level for most uses but would ease the conditions for scientific and medical research into its potential benefits.
Schedule III drugs are viewed as having only a moderate to low potential for dependence, which contrasts with Schedule I's designation. The new category would also affect research approvals and access to certain academic funding, opening doors for universities and pharmaceutical companies to investigate cannabis more thoroughly.
Some Republican lawmakers voiced concerns, warning that reclassification could normalize cannabis use and harm public health. A letter from 22 senators argued the move could hinder the nation’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and economic growth. Separately, nine representatives questioned the scientific basis of the change.
The administration notes that the plan includes CBD (cannabidiol) access for some Americans and tasks health officials with developing ways to study real-world health benefits and risks of CBD. The order also directs White House staff to work with Congress on potential policies affecting CBD access.
Tax implications: State-legal cannabis businesses could see changes in tax treatment, as some deductions are restricted for products classified under Schedule I. Reclassification could alter how cannabis companies claim expenses under federal tax laws.
Background: In the past decade, many states have legalized medical and recreational cannabis. The move echoes proposals by the Biden administration and follows a 2024 effort by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to change the scheduling, which faced administrative and legal hurdles.
Expert comment: Tim Barash, chair of the Coalition of Cannabis Scheduling Reform, called the shift a fundamental change for government policy and the cannabis industry. He said the move could empower workers, attract capital, and expand patient access to cannabis-based treatments.
Public opinion on cannabis has grown more favorable, with several polls showing broad support for legalization in some form across the country. For example, a nationwide survey found a majority support legalizing cannabis, though support varies among political groups.
Summary: The executive order reclassifies cannabis to Schedule III to promote research while keeping federal prohibition in place. It also opens the door for CBD research and potential tax changes for state-licensed shops. The move drew mixed reactions from lawmakers, while public opinion generally shows growing support for cannabis reform.
Key insight: Reclassifying cannabis marks a major shift in how the government treats the drug and could unlock extensive research and industry growth. Source: BBC
Discover the latest news and current events in Economics as of 19-12-2025. The article titled " Trump Reclassifies Cannabis, Expanding Research Access " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Economics field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " Trump Reclassifies Cannabis, Expanding Research Access " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Economics category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.