Trump Administration Reclassifies State-Licensed Medical Marijuana to Schedule III
The Trump administration has reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical use and reducing regulatory barriers.
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug laws. This change acknowledges the medical use of cannabis and reduces regulatory barriers, though it does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use at the federal level.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order, stating that the Department of Justice is "delivering on President Trump's promise" to expand medical treatment options. He emphasized that the rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of cannabis, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.
The reclassification legitimizes medical marijuana programs in the 40 states that have adopted them and sets up an expedited system for state-licensed medical marijuana producers and distributors to register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It also clarifies that cannabis researchers won't be penalized for obtaining state-licensed marijuana or marijuana-derived products for use in their work. Additionally, state-licensed medical marijuana companies can now deduct business expenses on their federal taxes, a benefit previously unavailable to them.
Critics, such as Kevin Sabet, chief executive of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, argue that while marijuana research is necessary, there are many ways to increase knowledge without giving a tax break to large cannabis companies and sending a confusing message about marijuana's harms to the public. He expressed concern that policy is now being influenced by marijuana CEOs and investors.
Marijuana or marijuana-derived products not distributed through a state medical marijuana program will continue to be classified in Schedule I. The Trump administration plans to initiate a new administrative hearing process beginning in June to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana.