On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order urging the DEA and HHS to work on reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. [1] While the executive order has not resulted in an immediate change to drug policy or legislation, it is likely to result in reduced scheduling of cannabis in the near future. [2] This article will provide more information on the state of marijuana drug scheduling and implications for Americans.
Trump's EO: What changed in the new marijuana rescheduling act
In response to research supporting the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana, President Trump issued an executive order initiating the rescheduling of cannabis products. The executive order has two main parts. The first focuses on encouraging research into the potential therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana for conditions like anorexia and cancer, as well as chronic pain. The second part focuses on the rescheduling of cannabis products from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance. [1]
While an executive order cannot automatically reschedule a controlled substance, it does initiate the process of rewriting rules that determine how the DEA classifies cannabis. [2] Currently, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, which means it is considered to have a high abuse potential and no recognized therapeutic use. Rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule III drug would mean recognizing it as having medical or therapeutic uses, and carrying a lower risk for abuse and addiction. [3]
Key impacts
The executive order issued in late 2025 prompts the attorney general to initiate the process for rewriting the rule on how cannabis is classified by the HHS and DEA. This process involves an HHS evaluation, public comment period, administrative hearing, and final DEA review before a rule is rewritten. This process can take several months to complete, and cannabis will remain a Schedule I drug until this process is complete. This process has already been underway since 2024, but it is likely that the executive order will help to expedite matters. [2][4]
If cannabis products are changed to a schedule III classification with the DEA, here are some of the potential impacts: [2][3]
- Reduced sentencing: Cannabis legality varies by state, but it is possible that changing the scheduling of cannabis would result in less severe sentencing for individuals prosecuted for crimes like possession.
- Increased legality: Reclassifying cannabis may set the stage for future legalization of medical and/or recreational use of marijuana in states where it is currently restricted.
- Increased access: Recognizing the therapeutic and medical benefits of cannabis could result in increased access for consumers because of fewer legislative restrictions.
- Medical research: Rescheduling cannabis could result in more funding for cannabis research and pharmaceutical drug development.
- Reduced stigma: Reclassifying marijuana as less harmful could promote changes in public opinion, attitude, and perception of recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Why marijuana could be rescheduled
There is a growing body of research that confirms that the psychoactive ingredients in cannabis products (THC and CBD) have therapeutic value. Specifically, the executive order cites research that supports the medical use of marijuana to help manage anorexia nervosa, chronic pain, and certain cancer-related complications and treatment side effects. [1]
The executive order also acknowledges that cannabis products containing THC are legal in most states for either medical and/or recreational use. Currently, there are 43 states where medical marijuana is legal, recognizing a growing trend towards increased acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic treatment for certain conditions. [1]
What the rescheduling does (and does not) mean
Trump’s recent executive order on marijuana scheduling has caused some confusion online, including false information about the immediate and long-term implications. It’s important to understand that the executive order has not resulted in any immediate changes to the scheduling of cannabis products. Cannabis will remain a Schedule I substance until the HHS and DEA go through the administrative process described earlier in this article, which could take several months. [2]
If and when cannabis is rescheduled, here’s what it may mean for Americans: [2][3][4]
- Marijuana legality would still vary by state, with some states permitting medical and/or recreational use, and others restricting it.
- In states where marijuana is illegal, individuals could still face criminal charges for possession, but there may be less severe penalties.
- Individuals may still be required to submit and pass a clean drug screen in order to obtain or maintain employment, depending on the policies of their employer.
- Individuals who use marijuana for medical reasons may have an easier time receiving ADA accommodations for employment purposes.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions may have an easier time accessing medical marijuana, depending on the laws of their particular state.
Public health and addiction considerations
The legalization of marijuana remains a controversial issue that divides public opinion. Proponents of legalization argue that marijuana is not as harmful or addictive as other Schedule I drugs, and often cite the many potential therapeutic benefits for certain conditions. Opponents argue that marijuana is an intoxicating substance that can cause both individual and societal harm, and that criminalization is necessary for public safety. [4][5]
While cannabis is not believed to be physically addictive, it is possible to develop a psychological dependence. It is also possible to experience adverse effects related to the use of cannabis products containing THC, including: [5]
- Impaired memory, concentration, and learning
- Impaired motor coordination
- Impaired decision-making and judgment
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Increased risk for psychosis
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Nausea and vomiting
What this means for people in recovery
It is possible that policy changes related to cannabis scheduling could increase access to cannabis products over time, posing unique risks for people in recovery. For example, it is possible that cannabis becomes legal and more easily accessible in states where it is currently restricted. [2][3]
If you are in recovery and want to abstain from cannabis use, here are some tips:
- Identify your ‘whys’: Make a list of the reasons you want/need to stay sober.
- Make a relapse prevention plan: Identify triggers and healthy alternatives to cope.
- Establish a support system: Develop and strengthen ties with other sober people.
- Form new, healthy routines: Make a schedule to keep you active, social & productive.
- Seek professional help: Enlist the help of a licensed addiction counselor.
Outlook: What to watch
It’s likely that there will be more policy and legislative updates in the coming months that provide more information about changes in the scheduling of cannabis products and implications for Americans. Updates from the attorney general, DHHS, and DEA will probably include more information about the administrative processes related to this executive order, as well as provide a clearer timeline of when they will take effect.
-blog-detail.jpg?v=1764691994)
-blog-detail.jpg?v=1722513446)