WASHINGTON D.C., United States — In a move that could dismantle decades of stringent federal narcotics enforcement, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the loosening of federal regulations on marijuana.
The order instructs the Attorney General to expedite the reclassification of the psychoactive plant, shifting it from a Schedule I substance to Schedule III.
If finalized, marijuana would move out of the same legal category as heroin and ecstasy, instead being listed alongside substances like ketamine, testosterone, and certain painkillers deemed to have legitimate medical applications.
During a press briefing at the White House, the President emphasized that the primary driver behind this decision was the need to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic conditions.
Despite his personal stance as a teetotaler, Trump acknowledged the widespread demand for reform.
“We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain for decades,” Trump told reporters. “I don’t want it, okay. I’m not gonna be taking it. But a lot of people do want it. A lot of people need it.”
Senior administration officials clarified that the order aims to catalyze medical research into cannabis-derived products to better understand both their therapeutic potential and health risks.
Furthermore, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to permit some beneficiaries to access hemp-derived CBD products as early as April 2025.
Political and legislative reactions
The decision has sparked a sharp divide on Capitol Hill. While Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer expressed approval, many in the President’s own party have voiced fierce opposition.
Dozens of House and Senate Republicans drafted a letter pleading with the President to reconsider the move.
“Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug will send the wrong message to America’s children, enable drug cartels, and make our roads more dangerous,” the lawmakers stated.
Despite the reclassification, marijuana remains federally illegal and subject to a complex “patchwork” of state-level regulations.
Experts suggest that while this order is a significant administrative step, a permanent regulatory framework would require a formal act of Congress.
Impact on the cannabis market
Wall Street responded to the news with high volatility. Although cannabis stocks initially surged on the news of the signing, they ultimately closed lower as investors reacted to the absence of a specific mandate regarding cannabis banking.
| Company | Closing Change |
| Canopy Growth | -12.0% |
| Tilray | -4.2% |
| Aurora Cannabis | -3.4% |
| SNDL | -1.5% |
Industry leaders, however, remain optimistic about the long-term implications for the sector. A spokesperson for Organigram Global noted:
“This shift marks an important step toward greater regulatory clarity and institutional acceptance of cannabis worldwide.”
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This move follows a process initiated during the Biden administration, which saw the Department of Health and Human Services formally recommend the Schedule III move after a comprehensive review.
While Trump has maintained a “law-and-order” reputation, often taking a hardline stance against international drug traffickers—this order represents a pragmatic pivot toward popular opinion, as most Americans now favor some form of legalization.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will now conduct a formal review of the recommendation to finalize the shift under the Controlled Substances Act.
