U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order as early as Wednesday that would reclassify marijuana under federal law, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III and significantly reducing regulatory restrictions, according to senior administration officials, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
Under current Drug Enforcement Administration guidelines, marijuana is categorized as a Schedule I substance, a classification reserved for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The planned change would place marijuana in Schedule III, a category that includes substances assessed as having a moderate to low risk of physical or psychological dependence and a lower potential for abuse compared with higher-schedule drugs.
Officials familiar with the order said the reclassification would not amount to full legalization at the federal level. However, the executive action is expected to state that the current scheduling framework has restricted scientific research into marijuana, limiting the ability of researchers to examine its safety, effectiveness, and potential medical applications.
The order is also expected to argue that the prolonged delay in rescheduling marijuana has not benefited Americans who could potentially gain from its medical use. Administration officials noted that the change could be particularly relevant for patients seeking alternative treatments for chronic pain and other health conditions.
Trump publicly confirmed on Monday that his administration is considering the move, emphasizing that reclassification would allow for expanded scientific research. He stated that significant research efforts are currently hindered by the existing classification and said the administration is examining the issue closely.
Speculation about a possible change in marijuana’s federal status first emerged in August, when reports indicated that the administration was reviewing the issue. At that time, Trump described the matter as complex but acknowledged growing interest in medical marijuana, citing positive feedback he had heard regarding its potential benefits.
Earlier we wrote that Six More U.S. States Approved to Restrict Unhealthy Foods under SNAP Program in 2026.
