Story perspectives

Trump Pushes DOJ to Reclassify Medical Marijuana to Schedule III

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump urged officials to speed marijuana rescheduling, leading Justice Department to issue an order fast-tracking Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration for state-licensed operators.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order moving medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, creating an expedited registration process.
The Justice Department said the change will improve healthcare by enabling research, expanding patient access, and set an expedited hearing for June 29.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970, signed by President Richard Nixon, classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, limiting its medical use and research. This classification, based on high abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use, has faced criticism. Recent efforts by President Donald Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to reschedule marijuana signal a shift in federal drug policy, potentially expanding healthcare access for patients.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump urged officials to speed marijuana rescheduling, leading Justice Department to issue an order fast-tracking Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration for state-licensed operators.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order moving medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, creating an expedited registration process.
The Justice Department said the change will improve healthcare by enabling research, expanding patient access, and set an expedited hearing for June 29.

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