President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana under federal law, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III, a step that formally recognizes its legitimate medical use.
The reclassification aims to create broader opportunities for research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD), allowing scientists, doctors, and health institutions greater access to study its therapeutic benefits. According to the administration, the decision is intended to better support patients who rely on marijuana-based treatments, while at the same time providing clearer regulatory guidance for medical professionals.
With the move to Schedule III, the federal government acknowledges that marijuana has accepted medical value, while still maintaining regulatory controls. The change is expected to reduce barriers to research and improve the development of evidence-based medical applications.
Officials indicated that the executive order represents a step toward modernizing federal drug policy, aligning it with current medical understanding and patient needs.