WASHINGTON (WDNews) — President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law, marking a significant shift in U.S. drug policy.
The move would direct the Drug Enforcement Administration to consider moving marijuana from Schedule I — a category that includes heroin and LSD — to Schedule III, alongside drugs such as ketamine and certain anabolic steroids.
A reclassification would not legalize recreational marijuana nationwide. However, it could change how cannabis is regulated, expand opportunities for medical research, and reduce federal tax burdens that currently affect the cannabis industry.
Trump said the decision follows widespread support from the public and patients seeking relief. “We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain,” he said.
If finalized, the change would bring federal policy closer in line with actions already taken by many states, particularly those that allow marijuana for medical use.
