Story perspectives

Trump's Executive Order Reschedules Marijuana Amid Controversy

12/20/2025

Summary

Trump Reclassifies Marijuana

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The order directs the Attorney General to accelerate the rescheduling process, which has stalled since the Biden administration's initial recommendations.
The change does not legalize recreational use.
Critics, including Republican lawmakers, warn of health risks and note potential effects on taxes for cannabis businesses and CBD access for Medicare recipients.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970, enacted under President Nixon, classified marijuana as a Schedule I substance, limiting its medical use and research. This classification contributed to over 1 million annual marijuana-related arrests, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Trump's 2025 executive order to reconsider marijuana's classification highlights ongoing debates about drug policy and its implications for state tax revenues.

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Trump Reclassifies Marijuana

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The order directs the Attorney General to accelerate the rescheduling process, which has stalled since the Biden administration's initial recommendations.
The change does not legalize recreational use.
Critics, including Republican lawmakers, warn of health risks and note potential effects on taxes for cannabis businesses and CBD access for Medicare recipients.

1 / 2