WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move expected to ease restrictions on medical research involving cannabis products.
The decision will remove marijuana from the most hazardous category of narcotics, known as Schedule I, which includes drugs such as heroin and LSD. While the order does not legalize recreational marijuana nationwide, Trump emphasized that it would improve access for legitimate medical use, particularly for patients suffering from cancer and chronic pain.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said many people in severe pain had urged him to take action. He added that reclassification would make it easier to study the medical benefits and potential risks of marijuana, calling the move one that could have a significant positive impact.
Under the new directive, marijuana would be moved to Schedule III, a category that includes substances like ketamine and anabolic steroids, which are recognized as having medical value and a lower risk of abuse. Currently, marijuana’s Schedule I status has made clinical research difficult due to strict approval requirements.
Read more: From Medicine to Life — Rediscovering Real Health
Although many US states already allow medical marijuana and several have legalized recreational use, the federal reclassification aims to reduce barriers to research and could also provide financial benefits to legally operating cannabis businesses through tax relief.
Trump clarified that the order does not amount to legalization and reiterated his long-standing opposition to drug use. Following the announcement, shares of major cannabis companies rose sharply in US markets.
The executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to fast-track the reclassification process. Similar efforts under the previous administration were initiated but not completed before Trump returned to office in 2025.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.