Posted on 12/18/25
| News Source: FOX45
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that would reschedule marijuana to have fewer restrictions after decades of being classified as one of the most dangerous drugs.
"I'm pleased to announce that I will be signing an Executive Order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance with legitimate medical uses," Trump said while surrounded by medical professionals supporting his decision.
"I want to emphasize that the order I am about to sign is not the legalization [of] marijuana in any way, shape, or form — and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug... It's never safe to use powerful controlled substances in recreational manners," he explained.
The order is expected to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, meaning it has a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone are also Schedule III, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Rescheduling a drug isn't something a president can do unilaterally. The legal process ends with final approval from the DEA, which is where things could get tricky within the Trump administration.
Trump's hand-picked DEA Administrator Terry Cole has a long history of opposing moves to loosen restrictions on marijuana. During his confirmation process earlier this year, he declined to commit to continuing Biden administration efforts to reschedule marijuana.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz applauded Trump for the executive order, saying it will allow "millions of Americans on Medicare to become eligible to receive CBS at no charge if their doctors recommend them."
On Monday, Trump said the reclassification could "lead to tremendous amounts of research."
During the 2024 election, Trump said he'd support research on the medical benefits of marijuana and that individuals should not be arrested or incarcerated for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Trump also supported a proposed amendment to the Florida constitution that would have legalized recreational use for adults 21 and older. The amendment ultimately failed.