The White House has identified President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the federal government to pursue the rescheduling of marijuana as one of the most significant accomplishments of his first year following his return to office.
In a summary highlighting 365 actions taken during the administration’s initial year, the White House emphasized the December directive instructing federal agencies to move toward reclassifying cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. The administration described the order as a step aimed at expanding medical research opportunities and improving patient access.
Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, a category reserved for drugs deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The executive order calls on the attorney general to complete the rulemaking process necessary to move cannabis to Schedule III, which would acknowledge medical value and reduce regulatory barriers.
While the administration has promoted the order as a major policy win, the rescheduling process has not yet been finalized. Federal agencies have not provided a public timeline, and administrative proceedings related to marijuana’s classification remain ongoing.
The move continues to generate mixed reactions on Capitol Hill, with some lawmakers welcoming the potential policy shift and others urging caution as federal regulators determine next steps.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
