President Donald Trump today signed an executive order expediting the reclassification of cannabis as a less dangerous drug—moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
The President was joined by several medical leaders during the signing, including Dr. Mehmt Oz, Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary; and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr, among others.
“I have a very distinguished group of people behind me, mostly medical people and brilliant people and they really know what they’re doing,” said the President prior to stating that he would be signing an order to reschedule cannabis.
Trump emphasized the large public support for the reclassification, adding that the move poled at 82 percent and will help patients “live a far better life.” He also made clear that the rescheduling is not the same as legalization, saying “I want to emphasize the order I’m about to sign doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way shape or form”
Substances classified as Schedule I have a “high abuse potential with no accepted medical use; medications within this schedule may not be prescribed, dispensed or administered,” states the National Library of Medicine. Heroin, LSD, MDMA and cannabis currently fall under this categorization. Last Spring, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), proposed that the substance be moved to the list of Schedule III drugs, which have less potential for abuse and are accepted for medical treatments. Other substances classified as Schedule III drugs include ketamine, testosterone and anabolic steroids.
While today’s executive order falls short of full legalization, the reclassification marks one of the most significant reversals in US drug policy in decades. This decision could have wide-ranging effects on the cannabis industry, criminal enforcement and access to research funding.
“Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III is a meaningful step forward that will finally give legitimate cannabis businesses access to basic banking, tax relief, and the tools needed to operate like any other industry,” says Eugenio Garcia, Cannabis Now’s founder and CEO.
The prospect of reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III has prompted swift and varied reactions across the political and cannabis landscapes.
“It shows incredible leadership for the president to have the courage to take the lead on cannabis reform,” comments Dave Marrow, CEO of Lume Cannabis MI.
“Today’s executive order to reclassify cannabis is a meaningful step toward aligning federal policy with science and economic reality. Moving cannabis to Schedule III acknowledges its medical value while bringing long-overdue clarity to how cannabis is cultivated, researched, and commercialized. While it’s not the final destination, this shift will accelerate innovation, unlock investment and help professional cultivators and operators continue to raise standards across the industry. At FOHSE Lighting, we see this as real progress for sustainable growth in cannabis cultivation,” says FOHSE Lighting CEO and Co-founder Brett Stevens.
“While this progress is welcome, true reform must also include justice—no one should remain incarcerated for cannabis as the nation moves toward acceptance and regulation,” Garcia adds. “This moment is about unlocking economic opportunity while correcting the human cost of prohibition.”
During the signing, those in attendance congratulated Trump for his leadership on the matter. “Thank you for your leadership and vision and finally getting to closure on this issue,” Kennedy, Jr. said. “This is a scientific question that has divided our country for many, many years.”
Trump gave those alongside him an opportunity to share their thoughts and then echoed their sentiments regarding the importance of being able to research the plant for medical purposes and help improve quality of life. “Research is crucial. Yes, cannabis can be addicitive, but we cannot close our eyes to research,” he said. “What we need to do is research and learn how to optimally use it”
As Trump put pen to paper he said, “It’s an honor to do this.”
