Trump’s Executive Order Aims to Reclassify Marijuana, Redefining Federal Policy – In a bold move that could reshape the national conversation on cannabis, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order today that proposes reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule II. The order, which is the first major federal policy shift on cannabis in two decades, signals an intent to reduce regulatory barriers, foster research, and streamline states’ medical and recreational cannabis initiatives.
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President Trump’s new executive order, announced on Thursday evening, formally requests the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to file a reclassification petition for cannabis. By moving marijuana to Schedule II, the administration aims to maintain federal oversight—preserving the drug’s prescription status and strict control—while acknowledging growing public support and shifting state law landscapes.
Background/Context
The federal schedule system, established under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, classifies drugs based on their medical value, potential for abuse, and risk of dependence. Schedule I items, such as heroin, LSD, and marijuana, are deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, over 40 states have legalized medical cannabis, and 17 have legalized recreational use, creating an intense policy paradox where state legality conflicts with federal prohibition.
Since Trump took office, the administration has pursued a “pro‑scientific” stance on cannabis research, allocating $8 million in 2025 to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for marijuana studies. The executive order consolidates prior actions and explicitly targets the schedule change, marking the first time the president has directly addressed cannabis reclassification since the January 2018 Bipartisan Drug Commission recommended a shift to Schedule III.
Experts note that a Schedule II classification would still permit federal restrictions—such as mandatory licensing and controlled distribution—but would lift the most stringent barriers, including the prohibition against commercial sales, research, and agricultural cultivation at the federal level.
Key Developments
Under the new order, the DEA will review the cannabis schedule within 90 days, submitting a recommendation to the Secretary of HHS. If federal approval is granted, the marijuana reclassification order will be enacted as follows:
- Marijuana will be deemed a Schedule II substance, allowing prescription use with stringent monitoring.
- State-licensed medical cannabis providers will gain the ability to export products to other states—previously blocked by the federal schedule.
- Research grants will be increased by 25 %, facilitating studies on THC, CBD, and cannabis-based therapeutics.
- Regulatory reporting requirements will be simplified, reducing the bureaucratic burden on dispensaries and cultivators.
President Trump cited the “misalignment between federal law and state statutes” and the “urgent need to safeguard public health” as key motivations. “The federal government must align its policies with the will of the American people,” Trump said in a brief statement. “By reclassifying marijuana, we respect states’ rights while ensuring that federal oversight remains robust and that consumer safety is paramount.”
According to the DEA, the move could unlock an estimated $7.5 billion in federal cannabis tax revenue if commercial sales were eventually permitted. Meanwhile, the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) estimates that 75% of their 3,400 member companies are positioned to benefit from a Schedule II transition.
Impact Analysis
For the average citizen, the reclassification may translate into clearer regulation and improved product safety. Medical patients could see increased access to federally regulated cannabis products, with expanded prescription guidelines for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. However, the order stops short of lifting the federal ban on recreational cannabis; states that have already legalized such use will maintain their statutes, but federal oversight will no longer block interstate commerce between licensed sellers.
International students and scholars represent a unique stakeholder group. At present, many universities—especially those in states with medical cannabis—require students to comply with federal drug laws. The reclassification will reduce ambiguity for students who might otherwise face legal conflicts between state and federal statutes. Nonetheless, visa holders must continue to adhere to U.S. immigration regulations that prohibit the possession of any Schedule I or Schedule II substance, regardless of state law. International students should remain cautious and consult university compliance offices before purchasing cannabis products.
Financially, the order could benefit student entrepreneurs who plan to launch cannabis‑related businesses, either in the retail or supply chain sectors. The removal of certain federal restrictions allows startups to secure banking services, an area historically problematic for cannabis operations due to federal banking prohibitions. State-level licensing requirements will, however, still apply, and students will need to navigate a complex patchwork of local regulations.
Medical schools might also see opportunities: research departments can apply for federal grants to study the therapeutic merits of cannabinoids. Current NIH restrictions have limited clinical trials due to Schedule I status; reclassification could increase funding opportunities and accelerate drug development pipelines.
Expert Insights & Tips
Dr. Maya Patel, professor of public policy at Stanford, notes that “the shift to Schedule II represents a pragmatic middle ground.” She advises students wishing to engage in academic research: keep documentation up to date, register with DEA’s New Drug Application system, and collaborate with state‑licensed facilities.
College international students are advised to consult U.S. Visa Service resources before traveling. Key points include:
- Never carry cannabis across international borders, even if it is legal in your home country.
- Check your university’s health services for approved medical cannabis protocols.
- Maintain records of any prescriptions or medical directives if you plan to use federally regulated cannabis.
- Be aware that federal authorities may still conduct random drug tests, with Schedule II substances considered illicit for most non‑prescribed usage.
For entrepreneurs, GreenTech Ventures spokesperson Luis Morales recommends securing a federal license early: “Once the DEA releases the new schedule, we expect a surge in applications. Early preparation can secure favorable terms and reduce the waiting period.”
Lastly, patients and caregivers should consult with licensed clinicians who are familiar with the new regulations. Clinics in states that have adopted a medical marijuana program can now offer clearer prescription pathways, reducing the risk of dosage errors and interactions with other prescription medications.
Looking Ahead
The order is the first step in a larger policy shift that hinges on Congressional action. The administration’s agenda includes drafting a federal regulatory framework to streamline licensing and taxation, similar to policies used for regulated cannabis markets in Europe. Congressional committees have scheduled hearings in January 2026 to discuss potential reclassification bills and the broader implications for drug policy.
Opposition groups, such as the American Cancer Society, argue that further research is necessary before a full reclassification, citing concerns about long‑term health effects. In contrast, advocacy organizations like the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) applaud the order, calling it a milestone that “… aligns federal policy with decades of public support and scientific evidence.”
From a global perspective, the reclassification aligns the United States with approximately 30 other countries that have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis. This may reposition American companies as leaders in the emerging global cannabis economy, attracting foreign investment and opening international trade opportunities.
Students and professionals should monitor updates from the DEA, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the U.S. Office of the Attorney General. A web portal has already been set up for public comments on the proposed schedule change, and the public is encouraged to submit feedback by February 28, 2026.
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