Could Cannabis Finally Be Rescheduled? Why Trump Might Act — and What It Could Mean for Reform

Over the past decade, cannabis policy in the United States has shifted dramatically at the state level — with medical programs in more than 40 states and recreational legalization in about half of the country. But despite this overwhelming momentum, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) — the same category that includes heroin and LSD — a label that flies in the face of science, public opinion, and medical use across the nation.

Now, for the first time in decades, there’s credible reporting that President Donald Trump may soon direct the federal government to begin rescheduling cannabis — a step that could have real impacts on patients, businesses, research, and the justice system.

What’s Happening Now?

According to multiple major outlets, including The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and Reuters, the Trump White House is reportedly preparing to issue an executive order that would direct federal agencies to pursue a rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA.

If implemented, this would mark one of the most significant shifts in federal cannabis policy in decades:

• Schedule III is the category for substances considered to have less potential for abuse and accepted medical use — similar to drugs like ketamine or certain anabolic steroids.

• A Schedule III designation would be a formal federal acknowledgment of cannabis’ medical value, even though it would not legalize recreational use nationwide.

• The plan, still not officially finalized according to the White House, reportedly involves discussions with health officials and industry leaders.

At the same time, lawmakers in Congress are reacting in different ways — with some praising the move and others warning it could go too far or not far enough.

Why Rescheduling Matters

Even though rescheduling doesn’t legalize cannabis outright, shifting marijuana out of Schedule I would remove one of the biggest contradictions in federal drug policy — that a plant used medically in 40+ states has “no accepted medical use” under federal law.

A Schedule III status could have a number of practical effects:

• Tax relief for cannabis businesses: Under current law, companies selling a Schedule I drug can’t deduct regular business expenses — effectively imposing tax rates that can exceed 60 %. Moving to Schedule III would ease this burden and could help small and mid-sized operators compete, innovate, and stay solvent.

• Improved access to banking and financing: Federal classification is a major barrier to traditional banking services for cannabis businesses. A lower schedule could help open doors to loans and investment.

• Expanded research opportunities: Rescheduling would make it easier for scientists and medical institutions to study cannabis without the onerous restrictions that apply to Schedule I substances.

• Criminal justice implications: While rescheduling doesn’t automatically erase convictions or legalize possession, it could lay the groundwork for future reforms and reduce federal penalties over time.

How This Fits Into the Broader Reform Landscape

It’s important to remember that federal cannabis rescheduling didn’t start with Trump. Former President Biden initiated a review of marijuana’s scheduling in 2022, leading agencies like HHS to conclude that cannabis has medical use. That process has been slowed and stalled over the past few years, leaving advocates frustrated.

What’s new now is the possibility that the White House could accelerate or influence that administrative process through executive action. While the DEA and Department of Justice retain official scheduling authority, a presidential directive could push the process forward and break the logjam that’s stalled progress.

Still, rescheduling is only one piece of the larger reform puzzle. Full federal legalization or descheduling — which would remove cannabis entirely from the Controlled Substances Act — would require Congressional action. Proposals like the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act and the MORE Act are part of that fight in the legislative branch but have yet to become law.

What Advocates Should Watch Next

Right now, nothing is official. Reports indicate that no final decision has been publicly announced, and the path ahead could change based on political dynamics, agency input, or legislative pushback.

For the Suncoast NORML community, it’s worth tracking:

• Official White House action or announcements

• Federal Register notices or DEA rulemaking updates

• Legislative activity in Congress related to cannabis reform

• Statements from federal agencies about next steps

Every piece of momentum — from executive interest in rescheduling to continued advocacy from reform coalitions — strengthens the case for rational, science-based cannabis policy.

While rescheduling wouldn’t end federal prohibition overnight, it could be one of the most meaningful shifts in decades toward treating cannabis more like other medicines and less like hard drugs. For patients, businesses, researchers, and advocates, it’s a development worth following closely.

At Suncoast NORML, we’ll continue to keep you updated and engaged as this story unfolds.