The Trump administration has moved to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, more than four months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the action. The change, signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Thursday, places marijuana in the same category as ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone, rather than alongside heroin, LSD, and MDMA.
In a post on X, Blanche said the Department of Justice was 'delivering on President Trump’s promise to improve American healthcare,' adding that the reclassification would enable more targeted research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy, expand patient access to treatments, and empower doctors to make better-informed decisions. The move follows Trump’s recent executive order to speed a review of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, which remains in the top category of illegal drugs.
At the signing of the psychedelic drug order, Trump complained that federal officials were 'slow-walking' the rescheduling process, urging them to get it done. However, the reclassification does not immediately legalize marijuana, affect sentences for those incarcerated for possession, or alter business banking restrictions due to anti-money laundering laws. It also does not permit transport across state lines without authorization.
Marijuana is currently legal in some form in 40 US states, with legal states building large surpluses that have led to a crash in wholesale prices, known as the 'ganja glut'. Republican operative Roger Stone recently told Marijuana Moment that reclassification was 'vitally important' before the midterm elections due to its appeal to young and libertarian voters, accusing someone in the administration of 'holding up' the process.
The announcement comes three weeks after Pam Bondi, who opposed marijuana reform in Florida, was fired as attorney general and replaced by Blanche. During his confirmation process, Blanche said he would give reclassification 'careful consideration' after consulting with relevant stakeholders, including DEA personnel. The DEA bases scheduling on a substance’s medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.
Most Americans support relaxing marijuana restrictions, though support has softened since widespread availability. An Economist/YouGov poll this month found 53% of adults supported legalization, including 35% of Republicans. A NuggMD survey found 83% supported Trump’s executive order.
