In a move that could reshape federal cannabis policy, Donald Trump has expressed support for reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This change, originally proposed by the Biden administration and backed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), would mark a significant shift in how the federal government treats marijuana—particularly in the realms of medical research, taxation, and criminal enforcement.

What Is Schedule III?
Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. This designation implies a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, making marijuana subject to strict federal penalties and regulatory barriers. Reclassifying it to Schedule III would place it in the same category as ketamine and testosterone—drugs recognized for medical use and considered to have moderate abuse potential.

Implications of Reclassification
If marijuana is moved to Schedule III, several key changes would follow:

– Medical Research Access: Researchers would face fewer regulatory hurdles, opening the door to FDA-approved cannabis-based medications.
– Tax Relief for Cannabis Businesses: Companies operating legally under state law could deduct standard business expenses, reversing the limitations imposed by IRS Code 280E.
– Reduced Criminal Penalties: Federal enforcement of marijuana-related offenses would likely be scaled back, especially for medical use.
– Pharmaceutical Development: Drug manufacturers could begin producing regulated cannabis products for prescription use.

What Would Stay the Same
Despite these changes, reclassification would not legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level. States would retain control over their own cannabis laws, and federal prohibition of non-medical use would remain in effect. Additionally, transporting marijuana across state lines would still be federally restricted, and employers could continue enforcing drug-free workplace policies.

Political Context
Trump’s openness to reclassification reflects a broader shift in public and political attitudes toward cannabis. While he has previously voiced support for medical marijuana and state autonomy, this move could appeal to both industry stakeholders and voters ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Conclusion
Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III would not legalize it outright, but it would significantly loosen federal restrictions—particularly for medical use and business operations. It represents a pragmatic middle ground between prohibition and full legalization, with potential ripple effects across healthcare, law enforcement, and the cannabis industry.

©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025