Trump Administration's Half-Measure: Marijuana Reclassified to Schedule III, True Justice Still Denied
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The Trump administration is taking a cautious step by reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III, but continues to ignore the urgent need for full legalization and justice for those harmed by decades of racist drug policies.
The Trump administration is preparing to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under federal law, according to sources familiar with the matter. While this change finally acknowledges marijuana's accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse—something activists and communities of color have argued for decades—it still falls short of addressing the deep injustices perpetuated by the failed War on Drugs. Marijuana will now be grouped with substances like ketamine and certain anabolic steroids, but the move does little for those still suffering under draconian drug laws.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in December 2025 directing the Attorney General to expedite the rescheduling process. However, this action appears more like a political calculation than a genuine attempt to repair the harm caused by criminalization. The order claims to improve medical marijuana and cannabidiol research, but does not address the root issues of mass incarceration and systemic racism in drug enforcement.
Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III would not legalize it for recreational use and only marginally facilitates medical research and reduces tax burdens on cannabis businesses. The current Schedule I status has long imposed significant restrictions on research and subjected businesses—many led by marginalized entrepreneurs—to punitive taxes. Yet, the administration refuses to take the necessary step of full legalization and restorative justice.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is expected to announce the first steps toward reclassification soon, beginning with an administrative hearing. This move comes only after President Trump expressed frustration over the slow pace of the process, revealing a lack of genuine commitment to real reform.
Public opinion overwhelmingly supports easing restrictions on marijuana, with a recent Economist/YouGov poll finding that 53% of adults favor legalization, including 35% of Republicans. Yet, the administration continues to ignore the will of the people and the urgent need to expunge records and release those incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana offenses.
While the reclassification would facilitate medical research, it does nothing to alter the legal status of marijuana at the federal level or bring justice to those currently imprisoned for marijuana-related offenses. President Trump emphasized that the change is not equivalent to decriminalization, coldly stating, "Unless a drug is recommended by a doctor for medical reasons, just don't do it." This stance continues to criminalize communities and ignores the real solutions demanded by advocates for justice.