President Donald Trump confirmed on August 11 that his administration is reviewing whether to reclassify marijuana under federal regulations, a move that could mark the biggest shift in US cannabis policy in more than 50 years.
“We’re looking at reclassification and we’ll make a determination over the next few weeks,” Trump told reporters during a press conference. He said he has heard “great things having to do with medical” marijuana use, but “bad things having to do with just about everything else.”
Where marijuana sits under federal law
Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, grouped with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. These are classified as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” as Trump described them.
The proposed change would move marijuana to Schedule III. That category includes ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Tylenol with codeine. These drugs are considered to carry a lower risk of physical and psychological dependence. Research involving them also faces fewer restrictions. While Schedule I studies require special approval and registration, Schedule III research can move forward under a standard DEA license.
The proposal to reclassify marijuana began under the Biden administration but wasn’t finalized before the end of his term. After taking office, the Trump administration canceled a Drug Enforcement Administration hearing that had been scheduled for the day after the inauguration. While the reclassification is still under review, the decision now rests with the current administration. If approved, the change would affect how marijuana businesses operate under US federal regulations in legal, medical, and research settings.