President Trump's Executive Order Reschedules Medical Marijuana

On April 22, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at facilitating the regulatory review of psychedelics while expressing frustration over the slow progress of rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche responded by signing an order that reclassifies state-approved medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which includes substances like ketamine and Tylenol with codeine. This change is significant as it acknowledges the medical utility of marijuana, although it does not legalize it outright.

Reason

The reclassification allows state-licensed medical marijuana suppliers to deduct standard business expenses on federal tax returns, a significant financial relief given that Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code previously imposed high tax rates on these businesses. Blanche noted that this order would enable better research into marijuana's safety and efficacy, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers. Currently, 40 states permit medical marijuana use, and Blanche's order integrates state licensing systems into the federal framework, promoting consistency and oversight.

Reason

Despite the benefits, the order raises legal and scientific questions. Critics argue that the distinction between medical and recreational marijuana is arbitrary, as both categories consist of pharmacologically identical products. Ryan Hunter, chief revenue officer at Spherex, criticized the decision as "very silly," pointing out that it creates an artificial divide between medical and recreational use. The criteria for scheduling drugs under the CSA are based on medical utility and abuse potential, leading to confusion over why medical marijuana is classified differently from recreational marijuana.

Reason

Blanche stated, "The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump's promise to expand Americans' access to medical treatment options." He emphasized that the order would facilitate research and provide patients with better care. Richard Baca, CEO of Grasslands, called the move historic, noting that it represents a significant shift in U.S. drug policy, even though it does not equate to full legalization.

Reason

Critics have raised concerns about the legal rationale behind the selective rescheduling. The National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow highlighted that Schedule I designation complicates research efforts, imposing burdensome registration processes and storage requirements. The current order aims to alleviate these obstacles, but skepticism remains regarding its legal foundation.

Reason

A broader rescheduling process is anticipated, which may eventually include recreational marijuana, potentially relieving financial burdens for businesses operating in states where recreational use is permitted. A hearing by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is scheduled to begin on June 29, 2026, to further discuss the implications of these changes.

Reason

• “Will you get the rescheduling done, please?” — President Donald Trump

Reason

• “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

Reason

• “We are thrilled that medical cannabis has been moved to Schedule 3,” — Ryan Hunter, Chief Revenue Officer, Spherex

Reason