Story perspectives

Trump's Executive Order Could Shift Marijuana Policy Landscape

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing federal restrictions without legalizing it.
The move would acknowledge marijuana's medical potential and facilitate research.
Rep. Andy Harris argues that Trump lacks authority to change scheduling without Congress.
Supporters say the measure could gain bipartisan backing and signals a significant shift in federal policy.

History

Historical Context

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, supported by Harry Anslinger, criminalized cannabis and established it as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, claiming high abuse potential and no medical use. Recent discussions about reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III reflect a significant shift in federal policy, acknowledging its medical benefits and potentially paving the way for broader legislative reforms.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing federal restrictions without legalizing it.
The move would acknowledge marijuana's medical potential and facilitate research.
Rep. Andy Harris argues that Trump lacks authority to change scheduling without Congress.
Supporters say the measure could gain bipartisan backing and signals a significant shift in federal policy.

1 / 2