Trump Administration Moves to Reschedule Marijuana to Schedule III
In late April 2026 the Department of Justice announced that marijuana would be shifted from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The change was signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Thursday, fulfilling an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump earlier in the year.
What the Rescheduling Means
Under Schedule I, marijuana is grouped with substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin, LSD and MDMA. Schedule III places it alongside drugs like ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone, which are recognized as having accepted medical applications but still carry a risk of dependence.
The DEA’s scheduling criteria consider a substance’s medical utility, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability. By moving cannabis to Schedule III, the federal government acknowledges a broader therapeutic profile while maintaining controls to prevent misuse.
Impact on Research and Patient Access
Blanche’s announcement emphasized that the reclassification will “enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy.” Researchers previously faced significant bureaucratic hurdles to study Schedule I substances, limiting clinical trials and data collection. A Schedule III designation reduces those barriers, allowing universities and private institutions to conduct studies with fewer federal restrictions.
Nevertheless, the shift does not automatically legalize marijuana nationwide. Possession, distribution and interstate transport remain subject to federal law, and businesses continue to encounter banking limitations due to anti‑money‑laundering regulations. States that have already legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use will see their existing frameworks unchanged, though they may benefit from expanded research opportunities.
Political Context and Public Opinion
The move follows a series of Trump‑directed actions aimed at accelerating the review of psychedelic compounds, including ibogaine, which also resides in Schedule I. At a public signing event, Trump pressed officials to “get the rescheduling done,” criticizing what he described as a slow‑walking process.
Political strategist Roger Stone told Marijuana Moment that securing the rescheduling before the 2026 midterms would be “vitally important” for appealing to young and libertarian voters. Stone alleged that an unnamed administration official had delayed the procedure.
Public sentiment remains broadly favorable toward cannabis reform. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted in April 2026 found that 53 % of U.S. adults support full legalization, with 35 % of Republicans in favor. A separate survey by NuggMD, a cannabis tele‑health platform, indicated that 83 % of respondents back Trump’s executive order to reschedule marijuana, while only 7 % oppose it.
Limitations and Ongoing Challenges
Experts caution that rescheduling alone will not eliminate the “ganja glut” that has driven down wholesale prices in states with surplus production. Transporting Schedule III drugs across state lines still requires federal authorization, so interstate commerce remains restricted.
Moreover, the change does not affect the sentences of individuals currently incarcerated for marijuana‑related offenses. Criminal justice reform advocates argue that broader legislative action is needed to address past convictions and ensure equitable access to the emerging legal market.
As the DEA reviews the scheduling change, stakeholders—including medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and industry representatives—will continue to monitor how the policy translates into tangible research opportunities and patient outcomes.
For the original reporting, see: Here
