In a sweeping policy change, the administration of Donald Trump has reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana, marking one of the most significant federal shifts on cannabis regulation in decades.
The decision, signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, moves medical marijuana from the most restrictive federal category—Schedule I—to Schedule III. This new classification recognizes potential medical value and lowers regulatory barriers, though it stops short of fully legalizing cannabis at the federal level.
Officials say the change is intended to expand access to treatment and encourage more rigorous scientific study. In a statement, Blanche emphasized that the move would enable researchers to better examine cannabis safety and effectiveness, potentially improving care for patients nationwide.
The reclassification also brings practical changes for the industry. State-licensed operators will now face fewer restrictions when registering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and for the first time, many businesses will be able to deduct expenses on their federal taxes—an economic boost long sought by cannabis companies.
Supporters argue the move aligns federal policy with reality on the ground. Nearly all U.S. states now permit some form of cannabis use, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Industry groups called the decision a historic acknowledgment of marijuana’s medical applications and a step toward modernizing outdated laws.
However, critics warn the shift could send mixed signals about the risks of marijuana. Opponents, including advocates from anti-legalization groups, argue that easing restrictions may prioritize industry profits over public health and downplay concerns about increasingly potent cannabis products.
The administration also signaled that broader reclassification efforts could follow, with federal hearings expected later this year. The outcome of those proceedings may determine whether the U.S. moves even further toward loosening its longstanding stance on marijuana, a policy rooted in nearly a century of prohibition.
