Federal Marijuana Rules May Change Under Trump Review

(WASHINTON, D.C.) - President Donald Trump says his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana under federal law, a move that could significantly expand research and impact the cannabis industry. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said reclassification is under serious review, noting that current rules limit scientific research. According to The Hill, the White House is considering moving marijuana from Schedule One--the most restrictive drug category--to Schedule Three, which includes substances like ketamine and certain prescription pain medications. Marijuana has been classified alongside drugs like heroin and LSD since the early 1970s. A shift to Schedule Three would not legalize marijuana nationwide, but it would ease research restrictions and reduce tax burdens for cannabis businesses. The effort would build on a process started under the Biden administration but never completed. Trump had previously said during the campaign that he supported rescheduling and promised a decision, though no executive order has been signed yet. Critics argue the move stops short of true reform, since federal penalties for marijuana would still remain. Still, supporters say reclassification would be a major step with broad implications, especially as most states now allow marijuana for medical use and many permit recreational sales.